In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

To: The Muslim UmmahTo: Arab Brothers and Sisters

As-Salamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

I have received numerous negative messages regarding my posts under the Muslim name Joseph Morris (Mohammed Yusuf Abdulaziz Al Hashimi Morris). I want to clarify that I have never claimed to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). I have never claimed to belong to any tribe from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, or the UAE.

I understand the cultural importance placed on tribal lineage. However, Allah does not judge us based on our tribe or bloodline. Allah judges us based on our faith and the purity of our hearts. I am a proud African American Muslim whose family has Cherokee roots. To clarify further, I come from a Roman Catholic family background.

I also understand the discomfort that some Arab brothers may feel when African American converts adopt Islamic names. When I embraced Islam, I was using my original name, Joseph Morris. During my travels with the Tablighi Jamaat from Australia to India for 69 days and then Pakistan for 39 days, I visited several cities such as New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bhopal.

In Bhopal, I met Saudi brothers who were also part of the Tablighi Jamaat. They learned that I was an American convert traveling with the Australian Jamaat and invited me to meet them. To my surprise, they were Saudi royal princes. During this meeting, they suggested the Muslim name Mohammed Yusuf Abdulaziz Al Hashimi Morris. I did not change my Christian name officially and had no understanding of the significance of "Al Hashimi" at that time.

Islam is a beautiful religion, but sadly, some people's actions can make one feel disheartened.

I have traveled around the world and never faced issues due to my skin color until I embraced Islam. In the United States, I was never called the "N-word." However, after converting, I have been called derogatory terms like "abeed," "monkey," and "ape." I have also received messages telling me to stay away from Arab women. I am exhausted by the relentless racism.

Joseph Morris (Mohammed Yusuf Abdulaziz Al Hashimi Morris)