When we think of activism, we often imagine marches, peaceful protests, picket signs, and political boycotts. While these are powerful tools for change, activism can take many other forms, some quieter, more creative, and deeply personal. Artistic expression, through visual and performing arts, writing, filmmaking, fashion, or crafting, can serve as powerful alternatives. We can also educate others, create safe spaces, or simply exist as our unapologetic, faithful selves in a world that often misunderstands us. For Muslim youth in the West, openly practicing Islam and showing up in places where people may never have met a Muslim can be a revolutionary act in itself. Dawah, or inviting others to understand Islam, is also activism, especially when it is carried out with wisdom, patience, and the beauty of our character.
Years ago, I thought activism only applied to those who protested in the streets or lobbied government officials. I avoided politics because my values never seemed to align with the available categories. The words "activism" and "advocacy" felt distant from my identity. That changed when a journalist referred to my work as a children’s book author as a form of activism. In his article, he referred to me as an activist and described my writing as revolutionary because I am a Latina Muslim woman producing Islamic literature. I had to blink a few times and read it over twice to ensure I understood it correctly. Then it dawned on me that, of course, writing, poetry, and any type of artistic expression can be a form of activism, especially when we are an underrepresented voice.
I have always found solace in reading and writing. I began writing poetry at a young age, drawing inspiration from my emotions and experiences. Some of my friends preferred the stage, music, graffiti, or sculpture as a means of expressing themselves. The truth is, there are countless ways to inspire change. The first poem I ever wrote was sparked by overwhelming sadness and confusion over the conflicts in the Middle East in the early 1990s. When my father, a U.S. soldier, was deployed to the Persian Gulf War, my world shifted. I turned to writing. My “protest poetry” never left the pages of my notebook except for the day I nervously recited some pieces in my fifth-grade classroom. Still, that act helped me process difficult emotions and gave me a voice during a time I felt powerless.
Poetry, storytelling, and other forms of artistic expression have always been powerful tools of activism. Why else have books so often been the first things to burn when conquerors invade? The suppression of education and inspiration is a deliberate tactic to silence the oppressed and erase their identities. But culture, faith, and expression cannot be taken from us unless we surrender them. Throughout history, people have clung to their religious traditions, cultural narratives, and languages in the face of unimaginable adversity, and because of their resistance, we still read their stories today.
Throughout the centuries, artists, writers, and creatives have preserved the voices of the oppressed and celebrated their resilience. Even the memories of those who did not survive atrocities live on, immortalized through the revolutionary work of the activists of their time. In the United States, the Harlem Renaissance gave rise to poets and writers like Langston Hughes, one of my personal favorites, whose art played a significant role in shaping the civil rights movement. Their words continue to echo across generations, stirring hearts and sparking change. Writers of the past have gifted us with books that teach us where we came from, warn us about repeating history’s mistakes, and imagine the future – both dystopian and hopeful – based on our choices today. Visual artists have literally painted those possibilities, showing us what injustice has looked like and what justice can become.
A famous quote from Langston Hughes captures this power: “In all my life, I have never been free. I have never been able to do anything with freedom, except in the field of my writing.” His words are a testament to the transformative force of artistic expression. Even when freedom is denied in every other aspect of life, the ability to create becomes a form of resistance and liberation.
Today, writing goes far beyond the printed page. Social media, blogging, and digital storytelling provide robust platforms to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals. Teenagers can use these tools to express their thoughts, share their art, and connect with others who are passionate about justice and positive change. Whether through a heartfelt poem on YouTube, a spoken-word video on TikTok, or an illustrated reflection shared on Instagram, their voices can have a lasting impact and reach a worldwide audience.
Helping Teens Respond to Injustice Beyond the Protest Sign
Currently, news headlines are filled with horrific stories of war, xenophobia, anti-immigration legislation, Islamophobia, and a steady decline in public perception of Islam. Many Muslim teens feel overwhelmed, helpless, angry, or all the above. They may want to speak out but feel unsure how to begin. Others may feel pressured to participate in forms of activism that do not align with their personality, sense of safety, or stage in life. As parents, it is essential that we recognize and validate these emotions. Just as importantly, we must offer meaningful alternatives to traditional political activism.
We have all heard the saying, “Actions speak louder than words,” but I beg to differ. In certain situations, words are compelling. Allah swears by the pen in the chapter named after it, Surah Al-Qalam: “By the pen and what everyone writes!” (68:1). What we produce by the pen, whether written words, spoken word, or visual expression, can shape outcomes and shift hearts. While marches and public protests have long been seen as primary avenues for resistance, they are not the only means of taking a stand. Many young people long for creative outlets that allow them to explore, question, and express their beliefs in ways that feel authentic to who they are. Encouraging teens to embrace artistic expression can open powerful channels for processing pain, telling the truth, and inspiring others. Rather than calling senators or attending rallies, some teens may prefer to write a spoken word piece about what it feels like to be Muslim in a misinformed society. Others may design digital art, write a play, choreograph a dance, or create a reel that challenges stereotypes and uplifts the voices of the oppressed. These expressions are no less “activist.” They are personal, reflective, and often more enduring.
Islamic center staff, community leaders, educators, and parents can help create opportunities for youth to confront injustice through artistic expression. Initiatives such as talent shows, open mics, and social media campaigns provide safe and engaging spaces where teens can use their creativity to speak out against racism, Islamophobia, and oppression, without having to place themselves on the front lines. These efforts challenge bias, build empathy, and affirm religious identity through storytelling and dialogue. When teens are encouraged to be unapologetic about who they are, including their faith, heritage, language, and lived experiences, they begin to dismantle harmful narratives simply by existing boldly and truthfully.
Parents have the power to cultivate this growth by supporting their children’s creativity. Support your teens in discovering their passions and offer them safe environments to share their work if they are so inclined. Remind them that art and authenticity are powerful tools for change. Resistance does not always have to be loud or confrontational. It can be soft, expressive, and deeply spiritual. In times of crisis, not every young person will want to hold up a sign or take to the streets. Some will pick up a paintbrush, a pen, or a microphone. That, too, can be a path toward justice.
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