Being one myself, I find most Muslim characters in popular fiction – books, TV or movies – to be superficial, unrealistic, forced, highly unlikely, laughable – or, worst of all – hell-bent stereotypes. So once and for all, here’s how to do it right!

Whether you are writing a fast-paced spy thriller, a mystery, sci-fi, or contemporary drama, crafting authentic characters from underrepresented backgrounds can be one of the most rewarding – and intimidating – parts of story development. Get them right, and you’ll win new friends and appreciative fans. Get them wrong and there could be derisive boos, or worse still – you could be cancelled!