By Her bio says she is just a 21-year-old resident of New Jersey who attends college and uses her humor to a sociopolitical end. In reality, Nadirah Pierre is also a recent social media sensation.
I really started for fun, just wanted to put a smile on a few of my followers faces by speaking about something we all knew was true…
This Muslim girl is so fierce that everyone is buzzing about what Pierre has to say, whether it be about flirting, hijab or food. She makes us laugh out loud and really think about topics that need to be addressed. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview her for Muslim Girl. This is what she had to say:
Muslim Girl: You’re catchphrase “Nobody else wants to talk about it, so I have to talk about it,” implies that the videos you create are on sensitive and often taboo subjects. However, you incorporate humor and satire to get your message across. What inspired this viral streak that has gotten so many of your viewers, mostly Muslim girls, saying “Preach.”
Nadirah Pierre: Well, I’ve always been outspoken and unafraid of saying what everyone was feeling and what I felt needed to be said. I really started for fun, just wanted to put a smile on a few of my followers faces by speaking about something we all knew was true in a humorous and before you knew it so many people could relate and after that I thought to myself, “Okay, well let’s talk about some more stuff.” And here I am now talking about a whole lot of sensitive topics.
You are proud and confident, Mashallah. What advice would you have for sisters struggling with their deen and self-esteem?
First, Allah (SWT) saw fit to bless you with this beautiful religion, that should show you how worthy and important you are. He could’ve kept it from you and gave it to someone else but He didn’t. We should see the beauty in that always.
Second, Allah (SWT) never asks us to be perfect. He asks us to try. One of my favorite hadiths states that Allah (SWT) says, “Whoever comes to me walking, I go to him at speed.” The Lord of everything that has ever been and will ever be is saying that if you just try, just make an attempt, He will meet you more than halfway. I know its hard love. I know some days it can be difficult to trust in Allah (SWT). Some days you won’t succeed – but Allah (SWT) is the most merciful, and He sees all that’s in your heart so He will reward you if you just try.
Lastly, Allah (SWT) saw fit to give you life and to bless you again and again and again. The value He saw in you is the value you should strive to see for yourself. You’re more than worth it, and you have to believe that.
Being Black and Muslim, some of your videos address racism, Islamophobia and anti-Black sentiments within the Muslim community. What does self-care look like for you after doing the emotional labor that receives support, but also receives haters?
After reading all the comments and taking in all the feedback, I feel amazing yet somewhat drained. I take a couple of hours not reading or responding or even inquiring about what others think of me. I reflect on the message I was trying to convey, I critique how well I was able to relay the message, and I think of better ways I could’ve done it. I also make it a habit of checking my intentions, just to be sure I’m not subconsciously trying to hurt or insult anyone. Lastly, I go out and learn some more.
As for the “haters,” you ask if I have a message to those that carry hate and negative energy in their hearts and choose to send those vibes my way? Nah. May Allah (SWT) shower you all with love and mercy and may He send you blessings in abundance. Ameen.
How do you want your videos to influence the community and Muslim girls who watch you speak your truth?
I would hope that my videos would influence the community and Muslim girls to look within themselves and evaluate everything that they are and can be, and that it inspires them to change. I present my material in a humorous way to make everyone feel comfortable, but I add a bit of seriousness to provoke critical thinking. I hope and pray that the videos will inspire a train of thought that will lead to a change of heart, and subsequently a change of action – bettering our communities overall.
Who inspires you?
All praise is due to Allah (SWT) for the blessings I’ve had to meet and know some amazing people. They’ve not only inspired me, but they’ve supported me and shown me an indescribable amount of love.
Black Muslim women who are vibrant, educated, well spoken, outspoken, intelligent, successful, fearless, resilient, strong, and a host of other qualities – they have woken me.
As far as inspiration goes, Black Muslim women are at the forefront of my book – starting my with my mother and both of my grandmothers who, despite being docile and soft-spoken, have always encouraged me to use my voice and have never tried to silence me. Also, I have a host of aunts (blood and honorary alike), cousins, friends, sister friends, associates, classmates, teachers, etc…
Black Muslim women who are vibrant, educated, well spoken, outspoken, intelligent, successful, fearless, resilient, strong, and a host of other qualities – they have woken me. As Muslim women of color, the representation I have seen, though sometimes scarce, has impacted me on so many levels, influencing my personality, my style, my thinking, and many other characteristics that are present on my social media. For these Black Muslim women, I am forever thankful.
You can follow Nadirah at:
Instagram: @nadirah.p
Facebook: Nadirah Pierre
Or send a note via email at: nadirahpierre@yahoo.com