I’m about to share my account of a spiritually uplifting and culturally empowering experience with you. Before I take you on this journey it’s only right that I provide you with some background about myself. My name is Ruqayyah and I am a first generation, born Muslimah who is a descendant of African and Afro-Caribbean Diaspora. I was born and bred in the melting pot we call London – educated by and amongst the amazing minorities who have adopted Britain as their home (whether by choice or necessity).

As Muslims from various backgrounds our interaction with the community of our beloved religion is shaped by our context as well as our individual reality. With the majority of Muslims in the UK stemming from Asia, other cultures experiences within this reality are varied. As a black Muslimah I have not particularly experienced explicit racism, however I feel as though my expression of faith as a Black Muslimah has often been suppressed by myself due to the fact that I felt like I existed in my community without truly belonging.

Unbeknown to them, the founders of the Black and Muslim in Britain project – Saraiyah Bah, Mohamed Mohamed and Sakinah Le Noir – inspired me to begin a journey of self–discovery as a Black Muslimah well before the launch of the BMB project. As individuals who have used their skills to contribute to education, spirituality, poetry and even mental health awareness I admired their drive to do God’s work as a result of their faith. For myself they are the perfect team to have initiated the BMB project.

On Saturday the 13th of October at UCL I walked into a room full of colour and melanin, anticipating an all-inspiring day.

In a room full of Black and Brown Muslims faces ???????????????????????? @BMBProject #BMBS2 #BlackHistoryMonth pic.twitter.com/BGwFV19405

— كلثوم (@kulthuma3i3) October 13, 2018

Saraiya Bah (a vivacious Sierra Leonean) hosted this landmark event showcasing the thoughts of a wide selection of Black Muslims about various pertinent topics and themes, including identity, love and Islamophobia. This is a concept so simple, yet so effective, as demonstrated last year with the first season. The audience was flamboyant, expressive and passionate – engaging with the producers, panellists and each other. The event was star studded with everyday heroes of mine including Shazia Hossen (female personal trainer), Mustafa Briggs (Student of knowledge and Beyond Bilal project leader) and Rakaya Esime Fetuga (Student and acclaimed poet). We had all gathered for a common goal – to explore and discuss the experiences of the Black Muslim in Britain.

Now to clarify the feelings that this event invoked within me. Firstly, the event was spiritually uplifting because as someone who has African heritage I love to express myself through colour (when it comes to my dress code) and deep, honest and animated discussions when it comes to politics, religion, love and life. I feel that both of these stem from my heritage and are often shunned among the Muslim community. At the BMB screening all attendees, as well as those featured in the videos were so in tune with their experiences and opinions . They vivaciously and respectfully expressed them without any fear of judgement. Personally this is so powerful. Many attendees wore clothing which was traditional or acknowledged the style and vibrancy of Africa whilst staying true to their religious identity which was empowering as we all believed that we can marry our heritage with our religion so effortlessly. There is no Africa without Islam and Islam in its entirety is not complete without Africa’s contribution. Secondly, the event was culturally empowering for myself as it directly addressed the trauma and disacknowlegdement that many Black Muslims in the UK have experienced from their own communities. They not only highlighted the issues but they also offered solutions and knowledge of self through the ‘Beyond Bilal’ presentation about Islam in Africa by the well-versed Mustafa Briggs, as well as engaging panel discussions including a discussion surrounding the Black Muslim Woman.

~ Adam was described as being black, Adam itself means Black. (Fiqh Al-Lugha book) relays @MustafaBriggs @BMBProject

— amaliah.com (@Amaliah_Tweets) October 13, 2018

When the event ended I wished that it could continue as it had been more than just an event for me – it was a place where Muslims could engage with Black History Month and their unique life experiences in a manner that many of our ancestors in Britain were not able to. The BMB team have created a great feeling of optimism and hope for future generations of Black Muslims – and for that I am eternally grateful.

Black Muslim in Britain is live and available on Youtube. Series 2, Episode 1 titled “But Bilal (RAH) was Black”

Ruqayyah Fombo

A Reflection: My Experience of Black and Muslim in Britain Season 2