Umm Zakiyyah: A Voice of Faith, Identity and Inspiration -Fahmida Mehreen

Growing up, we all look up to various personalities for inspiration, idols, and models of virtue. During our young and teenage years, most of us are more inclined to superheroes like Batman or Flash, or fictional characters like Cinderella and Rapunzel. With time, age, and circumstances, we tend to develop an attachment to real-life figures who make a difference in the world, distinctively and in our own lives passively. Such a character is Umm Zakiyyah.

My introduction to this woman of substance was sometime back in 2015 when I was introduced to one of her books, ‘If I Should Speak,’ by a close acquaintance. I must say, her style of storytelling is very profound yet utterly unpretentious. Most readers will be able to relate to the content at some level, which makes her ideas and notions a success. My outstanding and reflective experience with her book made me curious to know more about the author and her take on other aspects of the world.

Getting to know her, Umm Zakiyyah is a best-selling and award-winning author in her fifties residing in New York. Interestingly, she was born in 1975 in Long Island, New York, as the daughter of American converts to Islam, namely Clark and Delores Moore. Raised primarily in Indianapolis, Indiana, she commenced writing for local newspapers from a very young age. Later, as a student at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, she contributed articles to university publications and earned several awards for her leadership and academic excellence. In 1997, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education with flying colors and pursued a career in teaching. Furthermore, she holds a Master’s degree in English language learning. Over the years, she has delivered lectures at innumerable youth events, conferences, and on media platforms both in the United States and around the world.

Her literary career took off with the release of her debut novel, ‘If I Should Speak,’ in 2001, which became an instant bestseller in the U.S. and gained international recognition, including in countries like Malaysia and Australia. The book received high praise, with Dr. Robert D. Crane, an advisor to former U.S. President Richard Nixon, lauding her ability to capture the depth of human interactions. Following its success, she completed the ‘If I Should Speak’ trilogy with ‘A Voice’ in 2004 and ‘Footsteps’ in 2007. Umm Zakiyyah has since written several other novels, encompassing ‘Realities of Submission’ in 2008, ‘Heart We Lost’ in 2011, ‘A Friendship, Promise’ in 2012, ‘Muslim Girl’ in 2014, and ‘His Other Wife’ in 2016. Her last book was later adapted into a short film. In addition to fiction, she has authored a self-help book for Muslim survivors of abuse named ‘Reverencing the Wombs That Broke You’ in 2017. Her works have been incorporated into university curricula in the U.S., Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia and have been the subject of doctoral research worldwide.

What’s fascinating is that, despite her deep love for Islam and pride as a Muslim, she also writes under her birth name, Ruby Moore. Her Islamic name, Baiyinah, was given to her by her parents in recognition of her being their first child born into Islam after their conversion. With over 15 years of experience in teaching writing and serving as a consultant for Macmillan Education, she has traveled worldwide mentoring both aspiring and established authors in storytelling. Her clients range from journalists and educators to professional athletes and entertainers. Through her expertise, she helps writers refine their craft, develop compelling narratives, and bring their stories to life.

This highly talented and successful woman is well-recognized not just for her distinction in work but also for her strong presence on social and global platforms. She voices people’s well-being and rights, incapacitating social stigmas like race, religion, and gender, and joins finer dots between spiritual reflections and emotional healing. As many refer to her as a ‘care mentor,’ she undoubtedly enacts and endorses her sense and sensibility towards humankind as one race.

In her debut, compelling novel, ‘If I Should Speak,’ the author aims to transform storytelling through the journey of three college students—one Christian and two Muslims—who become unlikely roommates at a small private university in the United States. Tamika, a Christian student, was forced to change rooms after a conflict with her previous roommate. Thus, she moves in with Dee and Aminah, two Muslim students with immensely different approaches to their faith. However, Dee has a charismatic and outgoing persona despite her struggles with her own religious identity. Aminah, on the other hand, is devout and committed to her beliefs. Meanwhile, Tamika quickly forms a close bond with Dee, drawn to her vibrant personality, shared passion for singing, and frustration with an overly religious and unsupportive mother. Dee’s powerful voice and magnetic presence make her an inspiring figure in Tamika’s life, and gradually their friendship deepens as they navigate college life together.

As Tamika’s talent begins to gain recognition, doors to fame start to open for her. However, a religion class assignment forces her to confront deep spiritual questions she never expected to face. The assignment stirs inner conflict, leaving her unprepared for the one major obstacle that could stand in the way of her dreams. This novel explores themes of faith, identity, and ambition in the motion of weaving a powerful story of friendship, self-discovery, and personal growth.

This storyline sheds light on the author’s ability to craft complex, thought-provoking narratives that explore themes of belief, individuality, and personal struggles. Umm Zakiyyah is deeply interested in interfaith relationships and the challenges of navigating religious and cultural differences, particularly in Western society, as she has been one growing up in that mixed community. Her writing reflects an intense understanding of human emotions and the nuanced experiences of individuals grappling with faith and ambition.

Additionally, the emphasis on character development, especially in portraying diverse perspectives within Islam, shows her dedication to representing the multifaceted nature of religious identities. By intertwining the themes of attachment, determination, and spiritual turmoil, she demonstrates a commitment to storytelling that is both engaging and transformative. Her ability to address deep and often sensitive topics while maintaining an accessible and compelling narrative suggests that she aims to inspire reflection, boost dialogue, and challenge readers to consider different viewpoints and provoke ideas to manifest.

Considering all the aspects, I deeply admire Umm Zakiyyah for her powerful storytelling, stimulating themes, and assurance to explore faith, identity, and self-growth. Her aptitude to capture the struggles of Muslims in a diverse world resonates deeply with me. She fearlessly addresses delicate and controversial topics that at the same time inspire readers to reflect and grow. Her dedication to empowering others, especially writers, and her unwavering faith make her a true model of virtue. I look up to her as a writer, a thinker, and a guiding inspiration.
What’s your take on her?