How to Be a Bad Muslim

How to be a Bad Muslim is the latest collection of essays from the award winning New Zealand poet, Mohamed Hassan. Off the back of a remarkable launch tour, Hassan was in New Zealand in 2022 and played to a range of audiences with both his exquisite poetry, and his articulate prose. In fact, much of the writing within each of the 19 essays has a poetic feel to it that is perfect for analysis in the classroom, or a perspective on life in New Zealand (and internationally) that makes the reader consider deeply.

Hassan, in his titular essay, examines the life of a modern Muslim in a Western Society (he spends a significant amount of time as a journalist in London as well as visiting home in New Zealand) and the expectations that society places on those in minority communities. His perspective is largely a soft approach, but with some poignant phrases and philosophical slants that really demonstrate the thought and beliefs that he shares through his writing. Like his poetry, there is an honesty, and a deep sense of knowing himself that comes through from the words on the page.

Reading How to be a Bad Muslim is a life-giving experience. It affirms many of the beliefs that sit in the psyche of New Zealanders, how to work with others, how to be considerate to others’ thoughts, beliefs and aspirations, but also the inherent goodness that is found in so many corners of the world, and in society. So much of the role of a journalist is spent looking at the negative, it is so wonderful to read of the life-affirming approach that Hassan takes.

One of the best collections of essays in a long time. An uplifting and enlightening experience.