Saints and Misfits

Muslim American culture is a rich and diverse tapestry that encompasses the beliefs, practices, traditions, and experiences of Muslim individuals living throughout the United States. It is a multifaceted culture shaped by both religious teachings and the influences of American society. Islam, the faith followed by Muslims, plays a central role in Muslim American culture, and its core beliefs and principles guide the values and actions of Muslim Americans. These beliefs revolve around the concept of monotheism, the oneness of Allah, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as found in the Qur’an, the central religious text of Islam. The five pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, giving to charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca, provide a foundation for Muslim American religious practices. Saints and Misfits explores these pillars through Janna’s participation in Islamic Quiz Bowl and through the character of Uncle Amu, who runs a website that answers questions from Muslim Americans who are trying to interpret their faith practices.

Muslim American culture is marked by great diversity, with individuals hailing from various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Muslims in America come from diverse countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Somalia, and many others, bringing with them their unique cultural traditions, customs, and languages. The various characters in Saints and Misfits come from many different cultural backgrounds, and Janna’s mosque is attended by both Black and white Muslims; Janna herself celebrates a heritage that includes elements from both Indian and Egyptian culture. This diversity contributes to the rich tapestry of Muslim American culture, with various cultural expressions, celebrations, and culinary traditions being woven together.

One important aspect of Muslim American culture is the headscarf known as the hijab. Worn by many Muslim women as a symbol of modesty and piety, the hijab serves as a visual representation of Muslim women’s religious identity and faith; wearing one is a personal choice and can vary in style and interpretation based on individual preferences and cultural influences. The hijab is a significant part of Muslim American culture, and its presence often sparks conversations and debates about religious freedom, identity, and women’s empowerment. Saints and Misfits explores both the hijab and the niqab, a veil that covers the entire face except for the eyes. As the novel progresses, the author demonstrates several ways in which such traditional garb can both empower and alienate the women who choose to wear it, depending upon the complexities of the specific social situation involved.

Muslim American culture also encompasses vibrant community life. Mosques serve as central gathering places for worship, spiritual guidance, and community events. They provide a space for Muslims to connect, support one another, and engage in religious, educational, and social activities. Muslim Americans often organize cultural festivals, conferences, and interfaith dialogues to foster understanding and build bridges with other communities. This trend becomes clear in the novel when Uncle Amu hosts a yearly mosque open house and invites members of the larger community to attend, welcoming participants’ genuine curiosity and desire to clear stereotypes and bridge misunderstandings.

The social experiences of Muslim Americans are often shaped by their many intersectional identities, for they must navigate the complexities of being both Muslim and American and must learn to balance their religious beliefs and practices with the demands of American society. Muslim Americans therefore face unique challenges, including Islamophobia, stereotyping, and the need to assert their rights while combating misperceptions about their faith. Some of these challenges are reflected in Janna’s worries about how other students will perceive her clothing choices; similarly, a teacher humiliates her in gym class by calling attention to her hair when she chooses to go without her usual hijab. However, despite such social challenges, Muslim Americans contribute significantly to American society, enriching it with their diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions in various fields.

Understanding Muslim American culture provides important context for novels like Saints and Misfits. S.K. Ali’s story uses Janna’s fictitious conflicts to delve into the very real issues of identity, faith, and belonging that many Muslim American teenagers must navigate in their own coming-of-age experiences. By recognizing the cultural backdrop of Muslim American life, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of Janna’s journey, the challenges she faces, and the significance of her experiences within the broader Muslim American community.