5 Muslim Poets You Need to follow

Since Rumi and Ibn Arabi, the world of poetry has come far, and has become a much more developed art which is marvelled at by many. Poetry, in the words of W.H. Auden, is,'the clear expression of mixed feelings' It delves into nearly every emotion and topic that we as humans can experience and feel. Love, hatred, division, compassion, sadness. Modern day poets, as well as spoken word artists, use this talent of words to spread news about topics which are sometimes ignored and need to be shone upon.

We have all read or heard countless poems about not just religion and emotions, but also about ongoing wars, massacres and so many other atrocities taking place in today's day and age. Poets and rappers now use their platform to spread political awareness, and use their voices to allow listeners and readers to shape their own opinion on matters, as well as see things from a different perspective.

For Islam, and modern day Muslims, poetry has not only become a way for them to express their feelings, but also a form of entertainment for the Muslim nation. Spoken word pieces about war, the needy, religion, the Prophet and many more Islam orientated subjects are usually performed at charity dinners and Islamic talks all around the world.

 Here are 6 Muslim poets you need to follow:

 

1. Boona Mohammed

Starting off with Canadian brother Mr Boona who is the don of Islamic poetry. Not only is he a spoken word artist who has performed at several charity events, working with organisations like Penny Appeal and Islamic Relief, brother Boona has also gone into film making, and has produced the well known film 'Tug of War' which sensitively tackles the story of two young Muslim brothers, who become exposed and tricked into a 'radicalised Islam'. His future plans also include an upcoming family comedy, starring Comedian Baba Ali, and Nasheed artist Ilyas Nasheed, which he is currently working on.

Boona's style of poetry is not only gripping and inspiring, but he speaks in such a way, that it makes you more aware of your duty within the Ummah, and makes you realise just how uneducated we are as a youth, regarding our religion, ancestors and relationship with Allah.

 Some of his most well known pieces include: 'Heroes' which touches upon some of the most prominent and courageous Sahabahs (companions of the Prophet), including Persian revert Salman al Farsi (also later known as Abu Abdullah), Qur'an scholar Abd Allah Ibn Abbas, first Khalifah Abu Bakr Siddique, and Arabian poet Hassan ibn Thabit. By listening to this, you learn so much about our ancestors, and finding out about their actions and character makes you want to become like them.

Another one of his well known pieces is 'Dear Nafs,' which tackles Muslims problems on a more personal level, by reminding listeners of the Day of Judgement, and also motivating many to change their ways. Other amazing poems Boona has written are: Growing Pains, Letter to My Daughter, Sorry and Signs.

2. Kamel Saleh

Next up is Australian brother Kamel Saleh, who is most known for his poem titled 'The Meaning of Life' which blew up all over the internet, inspiring thousands across the globe. There have also been many Non-Muslims who were touched by this poem, including Fast and Furious star Tyrese Gibson who lost dear friend and costar Paul Walker. He even tweeted 'This gave me life!' with a link to the video. 

Kamel has also been involved with a religious dispute online with American political commentator and comedian Steven Crowder who is known to speak on religion, and Kamel responded to his very controversial video 'The Qur'an Challenge,' which not only insulted the Prophet, but also misinterpreted verses of the Qur'an.

Kamels work touches on different aspects of life, from family life, to Women of Islam to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. One of my favourites, is 'New Year's Revolution' where he furiously expresses not only his anger, but the entire Muslim nations fury at the injustice that is taking place in Palestine. Another is 'Are We Human?' which is an eye opening sentimental poem, exposing the explicit conditions of people in Syria, Yemen and other wore torn countries. You can't help shedding a few tears and getting emotional when listening to Kamel Saleh, as what he says is truer than true. He reminds you of topics you were lazy and ignorant enough to ignore.

3. Asma Elbadawi

Now Asma Elbadawi is a British Muslim, of Sudanese decent, who not only possesses a talent of poetry, but also has many other interests which may take you by surprise. She plays basketball, and not just for fun, or as a hobby- she plays professionally.

Let's be honest, it can be quite difficult for Hijabi's who are passionate about playing sport to sometime get the same opportunities as others. Not only are they discriminated against the way they chose to dress, but some may find it difficult to do what they love, whilst conforming to the rules of Shari'ah, in terms of modesty. Nevertheless, Asma and other inspirations like Ibtihaj Muhammed, who is the first American hijabi to compete in the Olympics, as a sabre fencer, have changed the game. Asma was actually able to lift the ban on religious headgear in basketball, with an outstanding figure of 130,000 signatures! Making this bold move of deciding to play basketball, whilst wearing the hijab has opened many doors for her, and other hijabis passionate about basketball. Elbadawi continues to inspire many young girls, to use their talent and passion to do amazing things.

What I love about Elbadawi's poetry, is she talks about topics which relate to many of us. Patriotism, balancing life and she also focuses on specific stories of refugees. She has worked with the BBC, on poems like 'Boys will be boys' and one of my favourites is, 'Belongings,' which touches upon the meaning of leaving your parents to marry. Elbadawi also involves herself in volunteering and charity work, and her interests and attitude to life is reflected in her poetry.

3. Tommy Evans

Revert to Islam, Tommy Evans is a spoken word artist who has been involved in several projects and interesting events. He delivers dynamic spoken word performances across the UK and is also a writer for afropean which is an 'online multimedia journal, exploring the social, cultural and aesthetic interplay of Black and European countries.'

Aside from having a phD in Applied Linguistics, Evans also acts, writes screenplay's, directs, designs and edits photographs. He also mentors emergent artists (including the previous poet Asma Elbadawi) and runs creative workshops.

His style of poetry is a little different to what I'm used to, but after watching a few of his pieces, I was left in awe in the way he so articulately and eloquently presented his opinion. And he doesn't just speak about the cliche topics out there, he delves further than that. A common theme I've seen run through all of Evan's poetry, is questions we often ask ourselves as humans. He's a huge fan of Shakespeare and incorporated themes from play Macbeth in to his poetry. Tommy has also spoken on issues like, Knowledge (in his poem Student to Scholar), Mental health (in his poem P is free), and Grenfell, which he performed in front of grime artist Stormzy and singer Adele. He is remarkably good with his words, (as a poet should be) and talks about topics the average person doesn't really have much knowledge on, hence I find when listening to him, I feel the urge to search up this word, and research about this event etc. 

5. Kashmir Maryam

 

Born and raised in Leeds, to performing poetry at the world's most prestigious poetry slam competition in front of the White House, Kashmir Maryam has come far in her creative career, and has accomplished so much for the good reputation of Islam. 

Maryam has been writing since the age of thirteen, and it was her love for words, mixed with her proud passion for her religion Islam, that drove Maryam to fuel this talent and tell the world about the beautiful religion, and it's many heroic figures throughout history.

Not only is this inspiration of a person a spoken word poet, but also the author of 'Nafsi: Jihad upon myself' which is a collection of poetry 'calling you to a spiritual revolution' which I have yet to read.

She truly represents the image of Muslim women as being powerful, having a voice, and living life freely. She, along with many others, has broken the misconception of Muslim women being 'oppressed' 'behind closed doors' and 'without a voice.' She, in my opinion shows that Muslim women can have talents, express their passions and represent Islam in the public eye, whilst also being humble and modest. 

Some of her most well known pieces are 'Women of Islam' which beautifully swifts through all well known female Sahabahs and prominent Muslim female heroins, including the likes of Umm Amarah, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Maryam (AS) and many more.