TikTok is becoming a platform for the propagation of Islamic values amidst the Israel-Gaza Conflict as so many young Americans are picking up the Qur’an to understand the resilience of Muslim Palestinians. The Guardian‘s article showcases the growing reach of the platform and how the understanding of Islam-once a vilified religion in the West-has started growing because of it.
Videos under the hashtag “quranbookclub” – which has a modest 1.9 million views on the app – show users holding up their newly purchased texts and reading verses for the first time. Others are finding free versions online, or listening to someone sing the verses while they drive to work. Not all the people reading the Qur’an on TikTok are women, but interest overlaps with the #BookTok space, a subcommunity where mostly female users gather to discuss books.
Megan B Rice, a 34-year-old book enthusiast from Chicago, recently found a new passion – reading the Quran. After speaking out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, she organized a “World Religion Book Club” on Discord to explore the Islamic faith. Rice, who wasn’t religious before, discovered alignment between the Holy Book’s content and her core beliefs, leading her to convert to Islam.
This trend isn’t unique to Rice; on TikTok, under the hashtag “quranbookclub,” young people are delving into the Book to better comprehend a religion often misunderstood in the West. With themes like anti-consumerism, feminism, and environmentalism, the Quran resonates with the values of many young, left-leaning Americans.
Nefertari Moonn, a 35-year-old from Florida, also turned to the Quran to understand what inspires people facing adversity. Her emotional connection to the text led her to take the shahada, becoming a Muslim revert.
Misha Euceph, a Pakistani American writer, and podcast host notes that the Quran’s themes align with progressive values, embracing science and advocating for equality between men and women.
In the aftermath of 9/11, the Quran became a bestseller, but this time around, people are turning to it not to confirm biases but to understand the resilience and faith of Muslim Palestinians. As readers like Rice express empathy for those in Gaza, the Qur’an takes on a new role in their lives, bridging gaps in understanding and fostering connections across different backgrounds.
For Rice, the experience has been transformative, challenging preconceptions and internalized misconceptions about Islam. She emphasizes that regardless of one’s religious background, learning about someone’s faith can foster empathy, making it a powerful tool for building connections.
