Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

The novel centers on Yusuf Azeem. He’s the protagonist, and while he doesn’t narrate the story, the third-person limited omniscient narrator only relays his interior thoughts and emotions. Yusuf is Muslim but doesn’t want to represent the Muslim community or experience. When Miss Terrance asks Yusuf to explain the hijab, Yusuf wonders, “Why did he suddenly have to be the spokesperson for every single thing relating to Muslims?” (276). Yet Yusuf explains the meaning of the hijab and, however begrudgingly, communicates the complexity of Muslim identity.

Yusuf doesn’t want to be reduced to his religion. At the New Horizons Church, Yusuf feels at home in part because the churchgoers “could see the potential in someone, not just his skin color or religion” (364). Yusuf’s main passion isn’t his faith but robotics. He loves computer programming and building bots, so competing in the TRC is his central concern. The anti-Muslim prejudice becomes something of a distraction. It’s something he must face, but he’d rather focus on the TRC.

Yusuf is a kind, loyal character. He helps Amma clean the garage so she can turn it into her office, and he assists Abba at the store.