Hyphen’s cultural guide to Black History Month
Here’s our pick of the films, books, podcasts and lectures that celebrate Black Muslim stories in the UK and beyond
For 38 years, 1 October has marked the beginning of Black History Month in the UK. Although Black Muslims make up more than 10% of the British Muslim population, the community’s efforts, heritage and contributions are often overlooked by both Muslim and non-Muslim communities alike. The theme of 2025 is Standing Firm in Power and Pride, so we’ve put together a quick cultural guide, including books, podcasts, films and more, celebrating Black Muslim history in the UK and beyond.
Beyond Bilal: Black History in Islam by Mustafa Briggs
This fascinating book was published in 2022 following Mustafa Briggs’ successful lecture series of the same title, which he presented at more than 30 universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Yale. It delves deep into the ties between Black history, the legacy of African Islamic scholarship and the importance of women scholars in West Africa. Moving beyond the familiar story of Bilal ibn Rabah, one of the earliest converts to Islam and a man believed to be the first Black Muslim, Briggs’s painstaking work highlights the roles of Black prophets, companions, scholars, as well as the legacies of African Muslims across Asia, the Arab world and the Americas.
Muna
Written and directed by Warda Mohamed and starring Bafta-nominated actress Kosar Ali, this award-winning short film follows a British-Somali teenager named Muna, who is desperate to go on a school trip. When her grandfather dies in Somalia, she is forced to navigate a confusing mourning period for someone she has never met. As the family gathers to mourn, Muna reflects on her family, her heritage and societal expectations.
Talking About a Revolution by Yassmin Abdel-Magied
Talking About a Revolution gathers new and revised essays by the acclaimed Sudanese-Australian broadcaster and writer Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Bringing her experience of leaving Australia for England, her work reflects on identity, activism, and social justice. She also navigates themes of faith, migration, language, race and systems of power.
Black Muslim history tour of central London
This guided walking tour brings to life the stories of Black Muslims in London, from political activist Dusé Mohamed Ali to figures such as Nelson Mandela and Ahmed Kathrada. Guided by the founder of Muslim History Tours, AbdulMaalik Tailor, participants will explore streets, statues, memorials and architecture, learning how people of African and Caribbean Muslim heritage have shaped present-day life in the city. Highlights include figures such as Malcolm X, Black Muslims from the Tudor era, hidden plaques and the influence of early 20th-century Muslim thinkers and converts.
Muslim Council of Britain: African Islamic history webinar series
This five-part webinar series, from 2 to 30 October, explores the rich history of African Muslims across regions and generations, from Nigeria and Sudan to the Horn of Africa, and the lives of African converts in the UK. Attendees will be able to listen and learn from experts such as Mustafa Briggs, former chairman of Brixton Mosque Dr Abdul Haqq Baker and human rights activist Elbashir Idris.
The Digital Sisterhood
Since 2021, The Digital Sisterhood has been shifting the narrative around Muslim women through its podcasts, storytelling, and its online community of almost 740,000 listeners and 240,000 followers. Hosted by Black women, the podcast has amassed more than 15 million plays and become a safe space for conversations around faith, mental health, family, identity and much more.
