Written Speech on Islam.

Final Piece 2- Written Speech

Samah Mughal

Imagine this scenario: (Look at audience from left to right, slowly) you’re walking down the street on a normal Saturday afternoon. It's warm; the sun's burning rays are beaming down at you. You’re head is sweating, but you know you can’t take off your headscarf. So you decide to walk down to the local newsagents to cool down a bit. (Look towards the right). You get inside, and the shopkeeper glances at you. He gives a little sneer, you ignore him and walk down an aisle, yet you’re beginning to feel a little uneasy. (Look as though you are worried). You can hear him whispering to somebody, his wife probably. You try to ignore them, and so you grab an ice-lolly from the freezer and walk over the counter to pay for it. You fumble in your pocket for some money, (Put your hands in your pockets, as if you are the person) but because you feel so tense, it spills out onto the floor.

You bend down to pick it up, get back up, and give the money to him. “Huh”, he says, giving an intimidating smile. “You’re kind never have been that good at counting out simple change” (Give the audience a dirty look, as if they are scum).You suddenly realize you’ve given him twenty pence less. You’re cheeks go red; you think everybody’s looking at you, so you daren’t turn your head around. Instead, you run out of the shop door with utter shame and embarrassment. You hear him call out from behind you “Don’t even think about coming back in here again, you Pakis are bloody thick!” You feel so low.

Good afternoon, Ladies and gentlemen (Look to left of audience). My name is Samah Mughal (Look to right of audience). I am here today to talk about a subject very close to my heart. I am here today to talk about my religion, Islam.

This is a preview of the whole essay

Islam, (look intently at audience) ladies and gentlemen, is the foundation frame of the life that I lead. It is the path that I follow, to guide me through success in this life, and the life after. Being brought up in a Muslim home has taught me my faith and beliefs. I have learned to respect my elders, (put right- hand out) but more importantly, (put left-hand out) respect myself. I have learned, (put both hands on chest and look meaningful at audience)to become a better person in myself, yet more importantly, become more considerate to others, and give help to people that require it. This is down to my religion and the discipline that I have received. It has given me the courage to stand up to my beliefs and express the strong views and opinions. My parents have played an important role in my life, and given me the support and guidance I have needed, and will need.

Many people believe that the younger generations of today have been forced to take in information, (Look shocked at the audience) but this is hardly ever the case (give a light chuckle). I, personally, am very eager to learn about my religion and beliefs. Day by day, I gain (point both hands at myself) more knowledge, and at this point, I am able to build on the basic framework of Islam. Islam has given me the courage to stand up to what I believe. So just imagine what it can do for you (looking at whole of audience).

(Move slowly to right of stage whilst talking)I lead a normal life. (Point to myself) I have friends, I go out for meals, I go to the cinemas. I do all the things you do. Being a Muslim does not mean I don’t have a life. Being a Muslim does not (shake my head) mean that im totally devoted to my religious prayers, it doesn’t (shake my head again) mean I don’t have a social life! But it does mean that I can balance (put both hands in front of me and balance them) between religious performances and my social activities.

So what is the difference between me and you? Why are Muslims in today’s society, not always recognized for their achievements? Is it our style of dress, the Salwar Kameez? Or could it be our headscarves?

(Move swiftly to right of audience)The Salwar Kameez plays in important role in the Muslim society. It is the unique way of identifying us (point to me). The Salwar Kameez is a cultural type of clothing that Muslims wear. It identifies us for who we are. I am always asked, why do I wear the Salwar Kameez? Do I have to wear it? The answer to that is that fact that living in a westernized part of the world is not as easy as you think it is. I try my best to fit in with both worlds. But I know that I am (look to left of audience, expressively), that us Muslims are, losing touch (look to right of audience of our religious, and cultural beliefs. The Salwar Kameez is not a religious type of clothing, as it is not mentioned at all in our Bible, the Holy Qu’ran. But it is a cultural type of clothing. So yes, I love wearing the Salwar Kameez, as it fills in that missing gap of the cultural traditions of Islam, which we are all forgetting. At the same time, I love wearing English clothing too! I love wearing trousers, jeans, tops, t-shirts, I love (give a smile) to be fashionable, just like you guys!

Ever since the tragic events of terrorism took place on September 11th, Muslims have been targeted at in many parts of the world, blamed (point finger towards me) for causing it in some cases, just because of one ignorant person. Since that day, over 500 cases of ‘anti-Muslim harassment’ have been recorded; in America, (look shocked and sickened) the police just about prevented over 300 people from marching on a Mosque. In Los Angeles, a gunman murdered a 48year-old Egyptian shop owner, because he (imitate the two apostrophise with both hands held out in front of me) ‘looked’ like a Muslim. Even Sikhs and Hindus have been attacked because of how insensitive people mistaken them for Muslims.

(Smiling) Being a Muslim means the whole world to me. I (point both fingers at myself) am so thankful to God for me being born in a Muslim home. It has taught me respect, appreciation and gratitude. In return, I have gained respect, which is the best gift I can ever wish for! I’d just like to say, I do hope (look pleadingly at audience) you have taken into account what I have spoken about today. Just always remember that Islam has the meaning Peace, not War,so please respect its religious and cultural issues.

Goodbye. (Leave the stage with a smile and positive attitude).

Delivery Dierctions

xxxx - emphasise strongly on these words.

(look to left) - indicates stage directions made by Reader.

Samah Mughal