New Muslim Cool

Two recurring dreams haunt Hamza Perez: one foretelling his death at age 21, the other predicting jail. The summary frames these visions as signs guiding his choices, foreshadowing major life changes. They anchor his early life in Pittsburgh as he searches for meaning.

One day on the street while smoking marijuana, a sheikh approaches Hamza to talk about Islam. The unexpected conversation marks the turning point toward religious change. The moment signals the beginning of a new path that will reshape his life.

At age 21, Hamza becomes a Muslim, describing it as the death of his past doings and a spiritual rebirth. The conversion marks a fundamental shift in identity and priorities. It sets the stage for his future activism and community work.

Hamza visits his brother Suliman to cook Boricua Halal dishes, a cross-cultural exchange that underscores their hybridity. They discuss Arabic-Spanglish-Ebonics as they communicate across languages they don’t fluently share. The scene grounds his faith journey in family ties and cultural fusion.

During a family gathering, Gladys expresses hesitation about the religion while revealing Hamza’s birth name, Jason. She reflects on their Catholic upbringing and private schooling, then offers cautious acceptance of their choices. The moment frames familial tension and support during his spiritual transition.

The brothers travel to Harlem to conduct an interview for a radio station about their music and religious message. The trip broadens their platform beyond the streets and into mainstream media. It marks a turning point in how they share their story.

In New York, Hamza visits the projects to reach out to at-risk youth, leveraging his experience as an anti-drug counselor. He uses his music as a form of religious outreach to connect with young people. The scenes emphasize direct community impact over fame.

Back in Pittsburgh, Hamza outlines ambitious plans to build a Mosque, a school, and a youth center for the growing Muslim community. He explains how people travel from different places to join a drug-free, faith-centered environment. The initiative signals a shift from activism to institution-building.

Rafiah describes meeting Hamza on the Muslim social network naseeb.com and deciding to marry after courting online. Hamza frames the union as a 'clash of civilizations' given their mixed backgrounds. The online romance leads to a real-world partnership.

After the wedding, the couple travels to Massachusetts where Rafiah meets Hamza's family and learns about his past as a drug dealer. The visit deepens family ties and provides context for his earlier life. It also foreshadows the challenges he will face in his new role.

Back in Pittsburgh, Hamza introduces the new community Mosque. The film shows a hidden FBI light-post camera pointed toward the Mosque, signaling ongoing surveillance. The scene highlights the tension between his community work and national security concerns.

On a Friday during the 4th of July, the FBI raids the Mosque, forcing everyone out at gunpoint. Witnesses describe the operation and the official reason ties it to a felon staying at the Mosque for the evening. The raid becomes a pivotal turning point for Hamza’s family and career.