Photography Shatters Stereotypes of American Muslim Identity

Welcome to CNN Style’s series Hyphenated, where we delve into the topic of identity among minorities in the United States.

In the captivating photographs of “Muslims in America” by artist Mahtab Hussain, we see individuals like Julo, Abdul, and Candace showcasing their unique styles and identities. Julo dons a tie-dye t-shirt and dreadlocks, Abdul rocks low-waisted jeans and a fur scarf, while Candace stands out in Nike Air Jordans with platinum hair against a black shirt. Each photo tells a story of diversity and self-expression.

Hussain shared with CNN over a video call that he always heard that Islam is a way of life, but never truly understood what that meant. He found it fascinating how Islam intertwined with different cultures after meeting people from diverse backgrounds in the US.

The series acts like a tapestry, connecting individuals who share his underrepresented identity in the US. According to the Pew Research Center in 2017, there were 3.45 million Muslims in the US, with projections showing that by 2040, Muslims would become the second-largest religious group after Christians. By 2050, the Muslim population in the US is expected to grow to 8.1 million, making up 2.1% of the total population. Despite these numbers, the experiences of Muslims today are often misunderstood or overlooked in mainstream discussions.

Hussain met and photographed Arslan Mehal in New York.

Hussain met and photographed Arslan Mehal in New York.

Mahtab Hussain

Only 1% of speaking characters in popular TV shows in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand are Muslim, according to the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. The existing visibility often reinforces harmful stereotypes. In a study on Muslim portrayals in movies by the same organization, almost 40% of primary and secondary Muslim characters in the top 200 films were shown as perpetrators of violence. Actor and producer Riz Ahmed emphasized the impact of Muslim representation on screen, stating that it influences policies, casualties, and conflicts. Ahmed also introduced "The Blueprint for Muslim Inclusion," a call-to-action document outlining strategies to increase Muslim presence in TV and film to combat prejudice and stereotypes.

Hussain, born in Glasgow to first-generation immigrants from Kashmir and Pakistan, wanted to challenge the misconceptions about Muslims in America, especially after the rise of Islamophobia following the 9/11 attacks. In 2021, twenty years later, he embarked on a project to visually commemorate the anniversary from a different perspective. "After 9/11, many people in the US and UK communities withdrew, fearing being associated with being Muslim. The religion was misrepresented, and many creative individuals stopped expressing themselves," he explained. "However, over the past two decades, I have noticed a new sense of pride emerging among Muslims."

Vanessa Gonzalez poses for a portrait that's part of the "Marks of Majesty" photography project.

Julo Cisse was photographed in LA. Hussain has traveled to four cities and counting to photograph the Muslim community in the US.

Mahtab Hussain

Candace Ashley in LA.

Syeda Monique Legette, for the project's chapter on Balitmore.

Mahtab Hussain has been capturing the lives of individuals in various cities such as New York, LA, Baltimore, and Toronto, Canada. He photographs a mix of people he finds through open casting calls and those he encounters while riding his bike around the city. Some of his subjects wear hijabs and kufi hats, while others are dressed in tank tops, hoodies, cargo pants, and mini skirts.

As a British Pakistani Muslim, Hussain has observed that the Muslim community in the United States is more diverse compared to Britain. He mentions meeting individuals from various parts of the world who are Muslim, such as Palestinians, people from different African countries, and a significant Iranian population in LA. The diversity he has encountered in the US stands out to him as a major difference from his experiences in Britain.

Vanessa Gonzalez poses for a portrait that's part of the "Marks of Majesty" photography project.

Julia Comita

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A new photo series is showcasing the diverse experiences of breast cancer patients. The portfolio features individuals of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, each expressing their unique style through their clothing choices. Some are dressed modestly, while others reveal more skin and tattoos. Photographer Hussain challenges stereotypes by capturing the true essence of American Muslims. In addition to visually breaking barriers, he provides a platform for his subjects to share their personal stories. Through transcribed interviews paired with the images, they discuss navigating American culture while staying true to their faith. Decisions such as whether to wear a hijab are highlighted, along with the struggles of dressing modestly in a Western society. Hussain emphasizes that he is not pushing a specific narrative with his work. Instead, he aims to amplify the voices of the community and showcase the individuals he photographs. This approach allows for authentic representation and a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences within the American Muslim community.

Itar Mechmechia had her picture taken in Toronto, Canada, where the series began.

Mahtab Hussain shared that during his interactions, he found that many individuals viewed Islam as forgiving and adaptable, rather than rigid and extreme. He mentioned to CNN, "I am gaining valuable insights from the people I encounter." In New York City, members of the LGBTQ community taught him a lot about their perspective on Islam. Despite a common belief that being gay or queer is incompatible with religion, they embraced their unique experiences and challenges.

Dayana Aziz was photographed in New York.

Mahtab Hussain

His upcoming project will be set in Dearborn, Michigan, which is home to the highest number of Muslims in the United States. The city made history in 2022 when Democrat Abdullah Hammoud was elected as its first Arab American mayor. Recently, Hammoud has been in the news for expressing his worries about how President Joe Biden is handling the situation in Gaza.

"I fear that Biden's legacy may not be as the president who rescued American democracy, but as the president who put it at stake for Netanyahu," expressed the mayor in a February op-ed for The New York Times.

Candace Ashley in LA.

Mahtab Hussain

Many members of Dearborn’s Arab American and Muslim American communities have openly rejected Biden for his handling of the Israel-Hamas war. Michigan is a key state in the 2024 election. Hussain, who typically tries to keep the project as positive in tone as possible, is planning a trip to the city in order to capture Muslim residents in this politically-charged atmosphere.

“I think it’s really important there’s a chapter in the work that talks about this,” he said. “Yes, this (series) is about looking positively at a new identity that’s formed in the US, but October 7 shifted the conversation again.” This month, the Pew Research Center published a survey that found 70% of US Muslims believe discrimination against Muslims has increased since the Israel-Hamas war began, and over 50% say they feel afraid of news around the war.

Adbul Warsame on the streets of New York.

Mahtab Hussain

Ahmed Mohamed was another face from New York.

Mahtab Hussain

It goes to show how fragile the situation is, especially for Muslims living in the US.

Hussain mentioned that the feedback for the series has been positive, with many individuals supporting his goal to increase Muslim visibility. "Everyone was eager to contribute to the project," he shared.

“Strangers would come up to me and hug me. The love that I received, it absolutely changed me as a person.”

More of Mahtab Hussain’s work can be found here.

Editor's P/S:

The article "Hyphenated: Capturing the Diverse Identities of Muslims in America" offers a poignant exploration of the multifaceted experiences of Muslims living in the United States. Through stunning photography and insightful interviews, artist Mahtab Hussain challenges stereotypes and showcases the vibrant diversity within the community. The portraits capture individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life, each with their unique style and perspective on faith. Hussain's work highlights the resilience and self-expression of Muslims in the face of misrepresentation and discrimination.

The article also delves into the complexities of Muslim representation in the media, emphasizing the need for increased visibility and accurate portrayals. Hussain's project aims to amplify the voices of the community and foster a deeper understanding of their experiences. The upcoming chapter in Dearborn, Michigan, promises to shed light on the political challenges faced by Muslims in the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war. Hussain's work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and respectful representation in shaping a more equitable and just society.