Mooz-Lum

Mooz-Lum is a 2010 coming-of-age drama film, directed and written by Qasim Basir. The film depicts the life of a young Muslim boy named Tariq Mahdi, who struggles to balance his faith and identity as an African-American in America during the aftermath of 9/11.

The story begins with Tariq Mahdi as a young boy growing up in a devout Muslim family in Detroit. His father, Hassan Mahdi (played by Roger Guenveur Smith), is a strict and traditional Muslim who wants his son to follow in his footsteps and become an imam. Hassan insists that Tariq attend Islamic school and memorize verses from the Quran, even when Tariq struggles to reconcile his faith with the outside world.

However, everything changes when Tariq starts attending public school after his mother, Safiyah (played by Nia Long), separates from his father. Tariq's life is turned upside down as he experiences racism, Islamophobia, and growing hostility towards Muslims in post-9/11 America. His father's strict beliefs only deepen the divide between them, and Tariq starts to question the faith he was brought up with.

The film also portrays the relationship between Tariq and his sister, Taizeen (played by Summer Bishil), who is more secular and liberal in her beliefs. Taizeen's life choices contradict the traditional Muslim values of their father, which further exacerbates the family's tensions.

The central conflict in the film arises when a radical imam named Mr. Usman (played by Deepti Gupta) comes to the mosque Tariq's family attends. Tariq is appalled by Usman's extremist views and rhetoric, which go against everything he has learned about Islam. Tariq becomes increasingly disillusioned with his father's strict interpretation of the faith and turns to Taizeen and his new friends for support.

One of Tariq's new friends is a girl he meets at school named Iman (played by Kimberley Drummond). Iman is a Muslim girl who also struggles to fit in at school due to her hijab and her faith. Tariq and Iman develop a close relationship that deepens over time, but their friendship is put to the test when Tariq's father forbids him from seeing her.

Throughout the film, Tariq's journey is one of self-discovery and reconciliation. He must navigate his Muslim identity and the growing conflict between his personal beliefs and the tenets of the faith. Tariq's story is one that is relatable for many young Muslims growing up in America, as it highlights the complex struggles of balancing faith and American identity.

The acting in Mooz-Lum is exceptional, particularly Evan Ross's portrayal of Tariq Mahdi. Ross perfectly captures the emotional struggles of a young man trying to reconcile his faith and identity in the midst of societal chaos. Nia Long also delivers a nuanced and emotional performance as Tariq's mother, who must navigate her own relationship with Islam and her family's traditions.

Overall, Mooz-Lum is a thought-provoking and emotional film that presents a nuanced and authentic portrayal of Muslim identity in modern-day America. It is a film that resonates with many, as it depicts the struggle of balancing faith and personal values in a world that often misunderstands and misjudges. Mooz-Lum is a must-watch for anyone who wants to learn more about the complexities of Muslim identity and the challenges that young Muslims face today.