American Muslim Experience traveled to Austin, Texas, to document the faces and voices of local American Muslims. Through portraits and personal reflections, this series explores what inspires hope, resilience, and belonging in a time of growing polarization.

The Austin Portraits

Click on the images below to hear Austinites reflect on their inspirations and hopes for the future as American Muslims

A man with curly hair, glasses, and a beard, smiling and wearing a black jacket with colorful floral and "ANOTHER HEART" text, and a wooden bead necklace, standing against a dark blue background.
A woman wearing a colorful, patterned headscarf and a white collared shirt, smiling against a dark background.
A man with glasses smiling against a dark background, wearing a white button-up shirt.
Smiling woman wearing a white hijab, black top, and denim jacket, standing against a dark background.
A young man with blond hair smiling, wearing a gray hoodie against a dark background.
A woman with curly dark hair, wearing a pink wide-brimmed hat and a red outfit with gold embroidery, is smiling and holding her hat with her right hand against a dark gray background.
Portrait of a man with glasses and a beard wearing a black Houston Astros cap, black shirt, plaid jacket, and beaded necklace against a dark background.
A smiling young man with a beard, wearing sunglasses, a beige cap, a pink T-shirt, and a chain necklace, against a dark blue background.
Woman wearing a black hijab and black t-shirt with a watermelon graphic and the words 'YOUR PAL' in green and white text.
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Osaamah-AME-on-blue-Austin-TX-0384.CR2.jpg
Taffani-AME-on-blue-Austin-TX-0338.CR2.jpg
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The Austin Portraits project is part of the American Muslim Experience’s ongoing documentary work to center contemporary Muslim voices across the United States. Created in Austin, Texas, this series combines portrait photography with recorded reflections from Muslims whose lives, identities, and experiences reflect the diversity of American Muslim life today.

Through photography and audio storytelling, this project invites viewers to listen closely, not just to headlines or stereotypes, but to people speaking for themselves.

Each participant was photographed and recorded as they reflected on what inspired them and what gave them hope for the future. These audio recordings, paired with visual portraits, form a powerful multimedia narrative that explores themes of identity, faith, resilience, and belonging.

A man with curly black hair, glasses, and a beard smiling, wearing a colorful jacket with floral and text patterns and a wooden bead necklace, against a dark background.
A man wearing a black cowboy hat, glasses, a red traditional outfit with necklace, jeans, and floral shoes, striking a playful pose against a plain background.
“I’m inspired by the vastness of the American Muslim experience — how ‘Big Tent Islam’ allows all of us to be seen and expressed through art and culture.”
— Abbas | poet, organizer, dad
Portrait of a woman wearing a colorful scarf, smiling against a dark background.
A woman standing against a white background, wearing a traditional dark blue garment with intricate gold embroidery and a matching headscarf, smiling at the camera.
“My children are my purpose — they remind me to be the person Allah calls me to be. Through them, I see love, strength, and the beauty of transformation”
— Armie | 17 years in the U.S. Army
A smiling young man with blonde hair and facial hair wearing a gray hoodie against a dark background.
A man with blonde hair and a slight beard wearing a gray hoodie with the hood up, standing against a plain white background.
“I told a friend recently, if Islam were a stock, I’d invest everything in it, because I truly believe the future is bright for our deen.”
— Bryce | cinematographer, new muslim
A smiling man in glasses wearing a white shirt against a dark background.
Man sitting on a stool in a white shirt, blue jeans, and brown shoes against a plain white background.
“The perseverance of the Prophets inspires me every day. What gives me hope is knowing that this life leads to something even more beautiful - Jannah.”
— Berznji | Iraqi American Muslim
A man with glasses, a beard, and a mustache wearing a black Houston Astros cap, a black shirt, a beaded necklace, and an orange plaid shirt, standing against a dark blue background.
A man with a beard, wearing glasses, a black baseball cap with a logo, a plaid orange and blue shirt, black pants, and sneakers, sitting on a stool against a plain white background.
“Knowing that Allah sees my heart and intentions gives me hope, even when I stumble. I’m inspired by the story of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) — how doors opened when none seemed possible”
— Cameron | community organizer | the Rahma Project
A smiling woman wearing a light pink hijab, black shirt, and blue denim jacket standing against a dark background.
A smiling woman wearing a light pink hijab, a black dress, an oversized denim jacket, and sneakers, standing against a plain white background.
“Nature connects me to Allah — it’s where I feel His presence most. The love I receive from those around me reflects His mercy and gives me strength and hope.”
— Irasema | nature lover
A man with a beard wearing a tan beanie, pink-tinted sunglasses, a pink T-shirt, and a silver chain necklace, smiling against a dark blue background.
Man sitting on a stool against a plain white background. He wears a beige beanie, pink t-shirt and pants, colorful sneakers, sunglasses, and a red watch, with a relaxed pose.
“I’m inspired by humanity’s resilience and by people who live with compassion and purpose. Hope comes from seeing those who dedicate their lives to serving others with sincerity.”
— McCauley | artist, creator
Woman wearing a pink wide-brimmed hat, red dress with gold embroidery, and colorful earrings, looking up and smiling against a dark background.
A woman wearing a red and gold traditional dress with intricate embroidery and a matching headscarf, smiling with her hands raised showing rings and a smartwatch, against a plain white background.
“The resilience of the Palestinian people inspires me beyond words. I also find hope in collective solidarity. When we show up for each other, we become powerful together.”
— Sara | Palestinian Jordanian American Muslim
A woman wearing a black hijab and a black T-shirt with a watermelon graphic and the words 'Your Pal' standing against a dark blue wall.
A woman wearing a black hijab and black pants, smiling and standing with one hand on her hip, in front of a plain white background. She is wearing a black t-shirt with a watermelon graphic and the text 'YOUR PAL' on it.
“The strength of people who overcome the unimaginable inspires me. Our deen, our Ummah, and especially our youth give me hope to keep striving and never give up.”
— Shakera | creative, youtube
A man with glasses and a beard wearing a dark hat and a beige shirt, smiling and standing against a dark blue background.
Smiling man with glasses and a beard wearing a light-colored t-shirt with a red border collie patch, standing against a white background.
“Children inspire me — their clarity, their innocence, their unshaped brilliance. Being around them reminds me of what’s possible when hearts are nourished with truth.”
— Osaamah | educator
Profile of a young man with short dark hair and light stubble, wearing an olive green shirt, against a dark background.
Man in olive green t-shirt and beige pants sitting on stool against white background
“I believe Allah gave us creativity to serve something greater. In a world full of illusion, storytelling helps us reconnect to the deeper truth of Islam.”
— Enes | filmmaker
A man with a beard wearing a yellow cap and a beige sweater, standing against a dark blue background.
A man with a beard wearing a yellow knit cap and a light-colored sweater, sitting against a plain white background.
“Remembrance of Allah brings me back to center. I find inspiration in family, in art, in community, and in the quiet beauty of choosing love and light over distraction.”
— Parris | artist, director
A woman wearing a green hijab and dark green jacket, smiling, standing in front of a dark blue wall.
A woman wearing a blue hijab and a patterned dress, standing against a plain white background, smiling at the camera.
“Watching people embrace Islam and grow spiritually despite the challenges is a constant reminder of Allah’s mercy. It gives me hope that through collective faith, we’re building a resilient Ummah.”
— Tiffani | Embrace Austin
A woman wearing a black hijab and a black embroidered dress, smiling against a dark blue background.
An older woman and a young girl smiling, standing together wearing matching black dresses with red embroidery and a head covering, against a plain white background.
A man with a bald head and beard smiling at the camera, wearing a white t-shirt with a black paw print design and a red watch, posed against a dark blue background.
A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a white t-shirt with a black paw print design, blue jeans, and black shoes, sitting on a white stool against a plain white background.