Being Muslim After 9/11: Mobeen Azhar Documentary Review 2026

Being Muslim After 9/11 is a documentary by journalist Mobeen Azhar that explores the rise of Islamophobia over the past 25 years. The film offers a bold and necessary perspective that few mainstream journalists would dare to air.

Being Muslim After 9/11: A Quarter Century of Islamophobia

In 2024, Mobeen Azhar made a documentary called Small Town, Big Riot that ought to have been highly influential, but in our atomised modern media landscape, it wasn't. He deconstructed how anti-immigrant racists, radicalised by online propaganda, lies and hearsay, end up on the streets perpetrating shocking violence and rioting against a largely imaginary foe. Azhar's new film tackles a wider, thornier problem and is less satisfying as a result. But in his willingness to debate hard topics – even if it means hearing difficult arguments, some of which are aimed at him personally – he is still provoking thoughts and airing views that better-known journalists would never go near.

"There was a time, 25 years ago, when being British and Muslim was … OK, you know?" he says. "We were on the cover of magazines and getting elected to parliament. We even captained the England cricket team. And then this happened." Cut to footage of the World Trade Center's twin towers exploding on 11 September 2001. The world has not been the same since – and life for British Muslims certainly hasn't. In the film, Azhar charts a quarter of a century of rising Islamophobia, his concern being how Muslims – and Muslim film-makers like him – have reacted. To do this, he teams up with an older documentarist, Masood Khan, who is the programme's co-director and is often seen jammed into Azhar's passenger seat as they drive around the country.

Key Takeaways from the Documentary

• Rise of Islamophobia: The film documents the sharp increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes and discrimination since 9/11.
• Media Representation: Azhar critiques how mainstream media often fails to platform nuanced Muslim voices.
• Personal Impact: The documentary weaves personal stories with broader political analysis.
• Call to Action: It urges viewers to challenge stereotypes and engage in difficult conversations.

Mobeen Azhar's Bold Approach to Difficult Topics

What sets Azhar apart is his willingness to engage with those who hold opposing views, even when those views are aimed at him personally. He doesn't shy away from hearing difficult arguments, which makes his documentaries both provocative and thought-provoking. This approach is rare in today's media landscape, where many journalists avoid controversial subjects for fear of backlash.

By teaming up with Masood Khan, Azhar adds a generational perspective, comparing the experiences of older and younger Muslims in Britain. Their road trip format allows for candid conversations that reveal the complexities of Muslim identity in a post-9/11 world.

Comparison: Media Coverage of Islamophobia

Why This Documentary Matters

Being Muslim After 9/11 is more than just a historical account; it's a call to action. It highlights the human cost of prejudice and the importance of empathy. In a time when division is often exploited for political gain, Azhar's film reminds us of the power of storytelling to bridge gaps and foster understanding.

The documentary also serves as a reminder that the fight against Islamophobia is far from over. By airing views that are often silenced, Azhar continues to push boundaries and provoke necessary conversations.

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