ISTAYQAZA استيقظ

CREATIVE DIRECTED & STYLED BY ME

From the day I was born till the day I die, I will always be a minority. I will always be seen as someone below a white man. 9/11 occurred and everything changed for my Muslim brothers and sisters. We were hated, attacked, and hurt just because of our background. I was bullied and called racial slurs my entire life. I had friends whose parents didn’t like me and they never even met me. All they knew was that I was a Pakistani Muslim. What did we do?

Islamophobia runs deep not just in America but all over the world. I’d read a million stories about my sisters being harmed because of their hijab. Mosques being destroyed because “we’re the problem” Do you think it’s right that someone wakes up and instantly feels worried? Scared they might be hurt or taken from their family?

I created this to showcase how different we are viewed simply because of our race, skin, and religion. Every day is a battle and as each day goes by it’s not getting any better.

I understand why so many of us would hate to be what we are, and not want to show it proudly. More than anything, I want to send the message that it’s okay to be Muslim — to embrace your culture, your background, your faith — and that we deserve to feel safe, represented, and respected. Don’t let others stop you. You’re a beautiful human being that deserves the world.

ISTAYQAZA or “WAKE UP”
OPEN YOUR EYES. ISLAMOPHOBIA EXISTS.