‘Bilal: A New Breed of Hero’ – The Reviews are In and Muslims are Pretty Divided

Make It a Lesson for the Kids – Heba Macksoud

I would recommend that all Muslim kids write a narrative after watching about what was historically inaccurate and what would have made the movie better. That way they are learning in a fun way. If we don’t try to improve Muslim creative arts, we will lose the next generation. For example, when the angels were depicted in white during the battle of Uhud, I explained the Quran verses where that is verified, and my kids were so blown away by it, they actually went to read about it. I know everyone will criticize the movie, but I commend the creators for trying. The Muslim cartoon movies that are out there are not that good.

Black Men as Heroes – Suroor Raziuddin

I saw “Bilal” with my girls ages 15 and 13 and their friends, who are the same ages. My older daughter and her friend go to two different public high schools in Los Angeles and studied about Bilal as part of African and Islamic history. They were excited how well it coincided with their studies and Black History Month. The movie was exceptional and had it included all these points made in the OP, it would be made into DVD and sold at Islamic bookstores and not at AMCs across the country.

The young black boys’ in the audience were cheering and that made it worth it for me. They get to see Bilal this week and Black Panther in two weeks – Black men as heroes.

Next: Reinforcing the Slave Narrative