Abstract:

Islamophobia has been a frequently used concept by non-Muslims who claim to be afraid of Muslim. Islam is perceived and promoted as an oppressive religion; however, Islam's message and teachings have affected a significant number of non-Muslims all around the world. Consequently, many such people have converted to Islam, particularly women. This study addresses the story of Umm Zakiyyah'sIf I Should Speak (2000). The story is about the Christian black American, Tamika Douglass, who was influenced by the media and her parents in prejudging and perceiving Islam. However, she started to change her perception and beliefs of Islam after she had comprehensively studied Islam. As a result, she embraces Islam. This study aims to first analysesome essential terms such as power and (self)- knowledge, second explore the influence of media on Tamika's attitudes towards Islam, and third investigates how Tamika has become a Muslim after having been affected by Islamic knowledge. This research adopts a qualitative research method. It applies a descriptive-theoretical analysis to shape a new understanding and interpretation of the literary text. The study finds thatpower of media affected non-Muslims' attitudes negatively, resulting in prejudice and misunderstanding Islam. The study recommends that self-Islamic knowledge is a key for non-Muslims to understand Islam. Knowledge of the Qur'an in particular is of great benefit for a convert to be guided for the right path. Such a Qur'anic influence could be seen in the story of Umm Zakiyyah.

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