Saints and Misfits

Muhammad, Janna’s brother, is a significant character whose presence adds depth to the story and influences Janna’s growth and understanding of her own identity. Although Muhammad is often a foil to Janna, developing a close relationship with their mom while she identifies more with their dad, his portrayal as a caring and protective brother serves as a source of support for Janna throughout the novel.

Despite sometimes teasing his sister, Muhammad is nonetheless depicted as a responsible and compassionate older brother who fulfills the role of a protector, demonstrating a genuine concern for Janna’s well-being throughout the narrative. Muhammad’s protective nature is evident in his interactions with Janna as he strives to shield her from harm and provide emotional support. During the mosque open house, for example, he repeatedly checks in on her to make sure she’s not in danger. When he suspects that she might be in danger after receiving the video of her and Jeremy from Farooq, he grows frustrated that she won’t tell him the truth or allow him to help her.

Despite his caring nature, Muhammad grapples with his own conflicts and struggles. He faces the pressures of navigating their parents’ divorce and the challenges of growing up in a multicultural society. He feels frustrated at their dad for the divorce and embarrassed by his dad’s rejection of Islam; this becomes evident when he struggles to accept that the quiz team will be staying at his dad’s house. Because Muhammad switches his major from law to philosophy, his dad cuts him off financially, so Muhammad needs to take a gap year in order to pay for his education. Muhammad’s experiences therefore shape his worldview and influence his decisions, which sometimes clash with Janna’s beliefs and choices. This dynamic creates tension between the siblings and highlights the complexities of their relationship.

Throughout the story, Muhammad’s relationship with Janna evolves considerably, and although the siblings suffer a few setbacks, their bond eventually strengthens. Initially, they share a strong sibling connection, but as the narrative progresses, their conflicts become more pronounced. They engage in heated discussions about their parents’ divorce, their faith, and their individual paths in life. These disagreements reflect the complexities and tensions that can arise within families that are undergoing significant changes and grappling with cultural and religious differences. However, Muhammad’s character also demonstrates growth and maturity. He shows a willingness to listen and understand Janna’s perspective, even if he may not always agree with her. When she eventually tells him the truth about Farooq, he immediately supports her and apologizes for failing her because of his lack of awareness.

Farooq, often referred to as the “monster,” is the primary antagonist of Saints and Misfits and represents a direct threat to Janna’s physical and psychological safety, challenging her perceptions of trust and faith and raising the issue of Safety and Peril in Religious Communities. Throughout the novel, Farooq is depicted as an individual who presents a false public image of piety and righteousness. Initially, he is admired and respected by the Muslim community, seen as a model Muslim and a figure of authority because he has memorized the entire Qur’an. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Farooq’s outward appearance masks a much darker side. He is revealed to be manipulative and deceptive: willing to exploit his position of power for personal gain. In one conversation, a Christian merchant questions why Farooq would memorize the entire Qur’an while not fully understanding its meaning, calling the exercise pointless. This seemingly offhand comment serves to highlight the importance of a major theme in the novel: Understanding People’s True Motivations. Farooq’s motivation for such a public display of piety is to gain power and attention, and thus, his self-serving motivations corrupt the image of righteousness he strives to project. Additionally, his predatory behavior and attempted assault on Janna demonstrate his abusive nature and lack of regard for the well-being of others. His actions reveal the stark contrast between his public persona and his true character, challenging the assumptions and expectations associated with religious leaders. Farooq represents the danger of blindly placing trust in individuals solely based on their perceived religious devotion.

Throughout the narrative, Farooq’s presence creates a sense of fear and vulnerability for Janna. He stalks her, falsely accuses her, and tries to turn her own friends and community against her by sending out a video of her meeting with Jeremy. The threat he poses forces her to confront her own feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame. Farooq’s characterization highlights the pervasive issue of victim-blaming and the immense courage required to speak out against a figure of authority.

Ultimately, Farooq’s character also serves as a catalyst for Janna’s growth and empowerment. The narrative explores the impact of his actions on her emotional well-being and her journey towards healing. By confronting and exposing Farooq, Janna reclaims her agency and finds strength in her own voice. Furthermore, Farooq’s character raises broader themes of abuse, power dynamics, and the complexities of faith within a community. He represents the dark underbelly that can exist within religious spaces and prompts important discussions about accountability and the need for vigilance when it comes to protecting the vulnerable.

Fizz is Janna’s friend and Farooq’s cousin. At the opening of the novel, she starts as Janna’s best friend and confidante, but her actions soon reveal her complex and flawed personality. While Fizz initially provides support for Janna, she later betrays her and demonstrates a refusal to accept Farooq’s wrongdoing. Additionally, Fizz also displays a tendency to view the world in terms of black and white based solely upon one’s degree of conformity to Muslim standards of dress and behavior, a trend that becomes evident throughout the story.

Fizz is initially portrayed as a vibrant and loyal friend to Janna. The two girls attend mosque together, and Janna shares every aspect of her life with her friend. But when Janna is attacked by Farooq, a rift comes between the girls. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Fizz’s loyalty has limitations. Fizz’s betrayal of Janna occurs when she refuses to acknowledge or accept the truth that Farooq sexually assaulted Janna. Despite Janna’s brave revelation of Farooq’s attempted assault, Fizz chooses to defend him and turns against Janna. This betrayal leaves Janna feeling isolated and hurt, as her closest friend fails to support her in a time of need.

Moreover, Fizz’s rigid and black-and-white worldview is evident in her inability to recognize the complexities of moral situations. She sees the world in simple terms of good versus evil, refusing to acknowledge the shades of gray in people’s actions and motivations. This is apparent through several conversations, most notably, when she declares that girls who wear the hijab to mosque only are weak. Fizz’s unwavering support for Farooq, despite the evidence against him, emphasizes her limited perspective and her unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Tats is Janna’s other closest friend, and her unwavering loyalty becomes increasingly apparent as the narrative unfolds. When Janna struggles with various challenges, Tats stands by her side, offering support and understanding. Tats consistently demonstrates her commitment to the friendship, proving herself to be a reliable and steadfast presence in Janna’s life.

Initially, there are some obvious differences between Tats and Janna. Tats is not Muslim, nor is she as focused on studies as Janna proves to be. She is also portrayed as being very optimistic and idealistic, someone who loves to encourage romantic pursuits among her friends; she even suggests that she might become a matchmaker one day. However, she often practices her matchmaking without considering the practical concerns these relationships might invoke. Later, she experiences a moment of growth when she vocalizes her realization that the relationship she has been encouraging between Janna and Jeremy might not work out due to unreconcilable cultural differences.

One of the most compelling displays of Tats’s loyalty occurs when she makes a significant sacrifice on Janna’s behalf. Upon realizing that Janna is being targeted and harassed by her peers, Tats takes decisive action to protect her friend. She willingly gives up the key to the school rooftop—a key which she inherited from her brother, a symbol of personal significance—to ensure that Janna is left in peace. This act of sacrifice showcases Tats’s selflessness and her deep commitment to preserving Janna’s well-being and happiness. Furthermore, Tats consistently puts Janna’s needs and concerns before her own. She actively listens, offers advice, and provides a comforting presence during Janna’s most challenging moments at the end of the novel. Throughout the novel, she serves as a pillar of strength and support, enabling Janna to navigate the complexities of her life and find solace in their friendship. Her constant loyalty and selflessness cement her role as a true friend, earning Janna’s trust and admiration.

Sausun, while initially an outlier to Janna’s social circle, becomes an important person in her life when the two girls get to know each other through the quiz team. Sausun is depicted as a source of empowerment and inspiration for Janna. Through her empowering use of the niqab and her determination to fight injustice, Sausun finds strength in her identity and encourages Janna to confront Farooq for his actions. For Sausun, the use of the niqab serves as both a symbol of empowerment and a practical tool, for it allows her to assert her individuality and defy societal expectations. By donning the niqab, Sausun creates a shield of privacy, choosing to reveal herself selectively and on her own terms. This act of self-empowerment reflects her strong sense of agency and determination. Through her unwavering commitment to her beliefs and values, Sausun becomes an inspiration to Janna. Her use of the niqab challenges the preconceived and stereotyped notion that the niqab is a symbol of oppression, for by donning this item and producing the series of YouTube videos called Niqabi Ninjas, she demonstrates that true power lies in embracing one’s identity and making choices that align with personal convictions. In this way, she becomes a source of strength for other individuals as well, as she decides to use her YouTube platform and determination to shed light on the wrongdoings perpetrated by those in positions of power. Sausun’s willingness to challenge the status quo and expose those who abuse their authority showcases her commitment to justice and her dedication to empowering others.

In a pivotal moment, Sausun encourages Janna to take action against Farooq, and her own strength and fearlessness serve as a catalyst for Janna, propelling her to confront her tormentor head-on. Sausun’s belief in Janna’s ability to find her own voice and stand up against injustice helps Janna to find the courage she needs to expose Farooq and protect others from suffering the same fate.