Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

The title asserts the idea of heroism, and before the reader consumes a word of the story or knows anything substantial about Yusuf, they know that Yusuf isn’t a hero. The motif supports the theme of Countering Monolithic Representation. Though calling someone a hero is typically a compliment, the term can function reductively, particularly for people from historically marginalized identities. For example, in The New Jim Crow (2012), the contemporary writer, lawyer, and activist Michelle Alexander critiques the trope of “exceptional” Black people, arguing that it fetishizes them and legitimizes a biased system. Alexander argues that Black people shouldn’t have to be extraordinary to succeed or receive honorable treatment. They should receive adequate and equitable care because they’re humans.

By negating his heroism, Yusuf stands up for his humanity and his Muslim values. He’s not saving the world or acting with uncommon courage, but he’s being a normal Muslim, behaving as his family and friends would. As Yusuf tells Danial, “I wasn’t being a hero! I had to do that. It was my duty as a Muslim” (205). The heroism takes attention away from the selflessness of Islam and directs it to the individual actions of Yusuf.