In witnessing the resilience of individuals in Gaza facing the aftermath of devastation, we observe a woman navigating a field of debris. Amidst the concrete blocks surrounding them, she imparts a profound lesson of patience and unwavering belief that, through perseverance, Allah will enable them not only to rebuild but to emerge stronger than ever.
In another poignant moment, a man stands within a sizable room, offering a powerful message to those around him, urging them not to succumb to tears but to find strength in adversity. When questioned about his personal losses, he reveals the heart-wrenching tragedy of losing both a 22-year-old and a three-year-old on the same day. Remarkably, his response is marked not by anger or sorrow but by a profound acceptance of God’s will.
These instances, among many others, bear testament to a faith that transcends the challenges of life. The composure and resilience displayed by these individuals create a compelling narrative, illustrating why so many suddenly seem drawn to a religion that imparts unwavering steadfastness in the face of death and destruction.
Megan B. Rice is a passionate reader and decisive member of BookTok, a subcommunity on the Chinese video-sharing platform TikTok that focuses on literature. With nearly one million followers on the app, the American internet personality has utilized her account to share book reviews, life observations, and pop culture insights. Two-months-ago, the 34-year-old currently residing in Chicago decided to pivot from her usual content, and use her platform and voice to speak about the relentless atrocities unfolding day-after-day in Gaza. What struck her most, she admitted, was that amidst the catastrophic and unimaginable suffering under the Israeli occupation, Palestinans remain steadfast. Their unwavering faith was not only admirable to Rice, but caused her to question her own moral compasses, and essentially where her faith truly lies.
On Oct. 20, the content creator took to her TikTok to record an emotional video, stating, “No, but can we talk about the Palestinian faith real quick? Because it is unlike any I have ever seen. I have quite literally seen videos of people who have lost everything, even their children, and they are holding their dead children in their arms and still thanking God, still asking God to take care of their children from there.”
The video received over 1.1.million views, and hundreds of TikTokers flocked to the comment section in agreement with some even suggesting that Rice should look into the Quran to gain more insight and context into Islam.
@megan_b_riceThe fight continues. No matter what.♬ original sound – Megan Rice
Taking the advice to heart, the next day, Rice took it upon herself to listen to an audio book of the Quran. Two days later, the self-admitted formerly non-religious TikToker organized a “World Religion Club” on Discord, where many gathered on the instant messaging platform to collectively engage in conversations about religion and faith. Among the many other reasons she started the online club was to also combat Islamophobia, racism, and to mainly understand why Palestinian people hold the Quran and its teachings so close to them.
It seemed that the more Rice immersed herself in the deeply profound pages of the religious text, a remarkable alignment unfolded between its core tenets and her own belief systems. She discovered a resonant harmony, especially with the text’s anti-consumerist sentiments, fervent stand against oppression, feminist and moral teachings, and above all wisdom regarding the essence of existence and how we came to be in the first place. On Nov.11, Rice took her shahada— the Muslim declaration of faith and an official gesture of conversion to Islam— on TikTok Live.
Islam, a religion unfairly vilified for years and inaccurately depicted as synonymous with violence, extremism, and terror by Western media, is now experiencing a transformative shift in perception, especially among the younger generation. In defiance of the negative narratives they’ve been exposed to, today’s youth are peeling back the layers to reveal the authentic essence of Islam— a source of unwavering strength for the resilient people of Gaza. With that being said, Rice is not alone in embracing the Islamic faith. She is part of a growing movement challenging misrepresentations and discovering the profound truths within the religion.
Since October, the hashtag #quranbookclub has reached over 1.9 million views on the app, featuring numerous users proudly displaying up their newly-purchased copies of the Quran, as they read excerpts of the text. This renewed fascination mirrors a historical trend, reminiscent of the post-9/11 era. Ironically, during a period marked by heightened Islamophobic rhetoric and xenophobic language, approximately 8,000 American women embraced Islam in 2002, highlighting a profound and unexpected shift in religious affiliations.
Nefertari Moonn, a 35-year-old from Tampa, Florida also recently picked up a copy of the Quran. “I wanted to see what it was that made people call out to Allah when they stared death in the face,” the artist and fashion designer said on TikTok. Moonn, who also took the shahada, stated, “I can’t explain it, but there’s a peace that comes with reading the Quran. I feel light, like I came back to something that was always there and waiting for me to return.”
Another convert is Abby Hafez, a Dubai-based wife and mother who has also taken to the Gen Z-dominated app to express her journey with Islam. She revealed how reading 10-pages of the Quran has bestowed her with profound peace, recalling how the first time she prayed she was reduced to tears.
This wave of conversions to Islam underscores a burgeoning trend where internet personalities are increasingly drawn to the religion. Notable figures among them include Sneako, a rising sensation on Rumble, as well as former British-American kickboxer-turned-controversial influencer, Andrew Tate. Tate’s noteworthy journey, navigating the shift from atheism to embracing Islam, is defined by his conviction that it embodies the “last true religion in the world.”
In the enduring presence of Gaza’s indomitable spirit, the trajectory of interest in Islam is poised to soar even further. This ongoing surge not only signals a noteworthy shift in perception but also actively challenges entrenched Islamophobic narratives, unveiling a deeper understanding of the religion’s core essence.
