Asalamu Alaikum,

The Quran states that we as Muslims have a responsibility to guide one another towards doing good and forbidding evil. The duty to enjoin good and forbid wrong is a communal obligation - a believer should be concerned about the spirituality and welfare of their family, friends, neighbors, community, and humanity as a whole.

That being said, I’m making this petition on behalf of all Afghan Americans who want to take a stand against the so-called Afghan representation we’ve received. “Secrets and Sisterhood” goes against everything we value as Afghans and as Muslims. It’s an insult to our honor and the honor of our ancestors and even more-so an insult to Islam. The majority of Afghan American families are conservative, practicing Muslims. The Sozahdah sisters have gone on national television displaying their sins - they’re proudly drinking alcohol, dressing inappropriately, partaking in zina and lesbian activities - all while simultaneously portraying Afghan culture. In one scene they’re popping champagne bottles, in the next they’re reciting “Bismillah” before they eat. This is a deliberate attack on Islam and Afghan culture. We as Afghan Americans, as Muslims, absolutely refuse to let this inaccurate representation continue. We do not want our young children, our young daughters, seeing this show and thinking this is how Afghan women should act. We will not normalize drinking, plastic surgeries, going against family values, wearing exposed and revealing clothing, zina, homosexuality or displaying our sins to the public, we will not normalize disrespecting our beliefs. The Sozahdah sisters are free to live their lives as they please, but do not go on national television and display our culture and religion while you drink and commit zina. We as Afghan Americans are proud to uphold the Islamic values our parents have worked hard to instill in us. In no way is anyone perfect, we all struggle with one sin or another - but at the very least we are not displaying our sins and smiling and laughing as we discuss how we’ve gone against the values of Islam. Together we can take a stand against this inaccurate representation of our people, sign this petition for Hulu to cancel “Secrets and Sisterhood”. We must take immediate action and denounce this show before it’s normalized, before our Muslim sisters and daughters are affected by this repulsive portrayal. 

Our prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, then let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart – and that is the weakest of faith.” 

The phrase “Only god can judge me” is actually not something that is practiced in Islam. As Muslims, we are obliged to judge according to the criteria set out by Allah Himself. Yes, on the day of judgement only God can judge us, but the reality is that every one of us will in fact be called as witness to each others actions. The notion that we should all mind our business and let every Muslim do as they please, without advising one another or calling out wrongdoing when we see it - this type of mentality is part of the reason why the state of our ummah is the way it is today. If you understand the importance of this petition, sign it and share it with friends and family.

Jazāk Allāhu Khayran