I Became a Muslim Shoujo Manga Artist… By Accident!

It’s almost the two-year mark since I first ventured into creating Islamic manga—a journey that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. Since then, I started a Muslim shoujo manga titled “Love From Al Khadhimiya”, which follows the story of Zulaikah, a young woman determined to escape the cycle of Muktah marriage after she marries an African American Muslim man from Detroit, Michigan. This story explores her struggle to navigate cultural expectations, personal freedom, and the complexities of love across different worlds and communities. It’s a tale of resilience, faith, and finding balance in love, wrapped in a shoujo narrative that celebrates both emotional depth and cultural authenticity.

Creating this manga has been an entirely different experience from anything I’ve done before, and it’s given me insight into the challenges and joys of telling stories within an Islamic framework.

1. Balancing Respect and Creativity - Creating Islamic manga requires a delicate balance between artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity. Every element of the story—from character interactions to visual cues—needs to reflect respect for Islamic traditions. Gestures, clothing, and everyday social behaviors carry specific cultural weight, and overlooking these details can unintentionally disrupt the story’s authenticity. This challenge pushed me to think more deliberately about every creative choice I made.

2. Pushing the Envelope - Even within a respectful framework, I wanted to explore complex and sometimes controversial themes. Topics like identity struggles, societal expectations, and gender roles naturally arise in Islamic communities, and addressing them honestly added depth to the story. The challenge was presenting these issues in a way that felt authentic and thought-provoking without crossing into insensitivity or stereotype.

3. Unique Visual Challenges - The visual style of Islamic manga demanded innovation beyond standard manga conventions. For example, traditional screentones often rely on generic patterns, which may clash with Islamic aesthetics. I experimented with geometric motifs inspired by Islamic art, calligraphy-inspired textures, and abstract designs. This not only made the manga visually distinctive but also strengthened the connection between art and culture.

4. Representing Cultural Diversity - Islam is far from monolithic, and portraying its global diversity was essential. Characters from the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia each have unique clothing styles, dialects, and social norms. Reflecting these differences authentically required extensive research and constant attention to detail. It was crucial to depict these nuances respectfully, ensuring that each setting and character felt true to their cultural background.

5. Language and Dialogue - Incorporating Islamic phrases and terminology, like salam, dua, or zakat, posed its own challenges. Misusing them could break immersion or appear disrespectful. Dialogue also needed a careful balance between natural conversational tone and appropriate formality. I often consulted native speakers and religious texts to maintain accuracy while keeping characters relatable and engaging.

6. Gender DynamicsDepicting gender roles within Islamic settings required sensitivity and creativity. Female characters needed to possess agency and depth while respecting modesty norms, and male characters had to demonstrate strength without overpowering the story. This careful crafting of relationships and characterization prevented clichés and helped create more nuanced, believable interactions.

7. Setting and EnvironmentAuthentic environments make the story believable. Mosques, markets, and traditional homes required thoughtful depiction, with attention to architectural styles, cultural rituals, and small but meaningful details, like the placement of prayer rugs or Qibla orientation. Designing these spaces was not just technical—it was about immersing the reader in the culture.

8. Storytelling PacingIslamic manga often leans toward introspection and character-driven narratives, which contrasts with the fast-paced action common in mainstream manga. Balancing reflective scenes with plot momentum was a new challenge. I had to carefully pace emotional moments and cultural commentary, ensuring the story remained engaging without losing authenticity.

9. Audience EngagementIslamic manga reaches a niche yet discerning audience. Readers expect stories to be authentic, entertaining, and emotionally resonant. Understanding these expectations required careful listening to feedback, thoughtful adjustments, and constant reflection on how my creative choices would be received, all without compromising the artistic vision.

10. Subtle Visual NuancesEven seemingly minor visual cues carry weight. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language can have different meanings in Islamic cultures. Ensuring these details were accurate, consistent, and culturally respectful added depth to the storytelling and enriched reader immersion, but also demanded careful observation and iteration.

11. Self-Reflection and GrowthWorking in this context forced me to confront my own assumptions and biases. I had to continuously question my perspectives and expand my understanding of Islamic culture. This process was humbling and transformative, ultimately helping me grow both as an artist and as a storyteller.

12. Overall TakeawayCreating Islamic manga is a unique, challenging, and deeply rewarding experience. It demands sensitivity, research, and thoughtful creativity while offering opportunities to explore meaningful stories and visual innovations. At its best, it combines respect with artistic freedom, producing work that resonates both visually and emotionally with readers.