Taqwacore: The Birth of Punk Islam

The word is a combination of hardcore, a genre of punk music, and , an Arabic word that translates as "piety" or "god-fearing." The first to use the term was writer, journalist, and Muslim convert Michael Muhammad Knight. His novel , about a group of young Islamic punk rockers, received a storm of recognition among young American Muslims and prompted the formation of various Muslim punk bands. The documentary chronicles a journey undertaken by a group of Islamic punks through the United States, as well as a visit to Pakistan, with Michael Knight as guide and inspiration. His story, underscored by quotations from his book, forms the framework for the film, which intersperses footage of concerts and attempts to book concerts with the personal stories of band members. The music they make is extremely varied, with bands taking inspiration not only from punk or hip-hop, but also from ancient Arabic culture and instruments. In spite of the differences, these young people are united by their struggle to reconcile Islamic tradition, in which music is still seen as a sin, with their musical tastes and the accompanying culture and unconventional lifestyle.