Religion themed literature has always been a norm in the literary traditions across the globe. However, it is observed that in the context of representing Islam and Muslims, Western literature and media misrepresent them, and that thereby leads to the building of a mistaken global view of Islam. The relevant literature plays a profound role in shaping the readers' perception of reality. It has been argued by several experts that the portrayal of Islam throughout English literature demonstrates ignorance and prejudice [Schønemann, 2013, p.10]. Western literature largely portrays Islamic religion and Muslims as erotic, primitive, ignorant, and slave traders [Schønemann, 2013, p.1]. The depiction took another drastic turn post-9/11, only making it worse. The post 9/11 literature has depicted Arabs and Muslims as terrorists, lunatics, fundamentalists, and haters among other prevalent depictions. This literary trend in the West has only expanded the gap between Muslims and the world community. As opposed to the conviction that Islam is a religion of terrorism, polygamy, hatred, oppression, Umm Zakiyyah manages to present the true picture of Islam. Umm Zakiyyah's trilogy If I Should Speak addresses the topics of the struggle between Muslims and Christians, racism, polygamy, hijab, jihad, and other misrepresented issues pertaining to Islam. This paper will give a detailed description of how Umm Zakiyyah’s trilogy correctly presents Islam in contrast to the misrepresentation of Islam in Western literature.
Religion themed literature has always been a norm in the literary traditions across the globe. However, it is observed that in the context of representing Islam and Muslims, Western literature and media misrepresent them, and that thereby leads to the building of a mistaken global view of Islam. The relevant literature plays a profound role in shaping the readers' perception of reality. It has been argued by several experts that the portrayal of Islam throughout English literature demonstrates ignorance and prejudice [Schønemann, 2013, p.10]. Western literature largely portrays Islamic religion and Muslims as erotic, primitive, ignorant, and slave traders [Schønemann, 2013, p.1]. The depiction took another drastic turn post-9/11, only making it worse. The post 9/11 literature has depicted Arabs and Muslims as terrorists, lunatics, fundamentalists, and haters among other prevalent depictions. This literary trend in the West has only expanded the gap between Muslims and the world community. As opposed to the conviction that Islam is a religion of terrorism, polygamy, hatred, oppression, Umm Zakiyyah manages to present the true picture of Islam. Umm Zakiyyah's trilogy If I Should Speak addresses the topics of the struggle between Muslims and Christians, racism, polygamy, hijab, jihad, and other misrepresented issues pertaining to Islam. This paper will give a detailed description of how Umm Zakiyyah’s trilogy correctly presents Islam in contrast to the misrepresentation of Islam in Western literature.