When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is honored on the walls of the US Supreme Court and Harvard University for his contributions to justice and law, yet Muslim women wearing hijab are attacked on American streets, the disconnect is staggering. This episode highlights both the recognition that Islam has received from the highest institutions in America and the daily reality of Islamophobia faced by ordinary Muslims. It also features the groundbreaking “Actual Muslims” billboard campaign by Sound Vision, which has been covered by over 300 media outlets including CBS National News — a creative and bold approach to addressing the number one misconception about Muslims.
The “Actual Muslims” Billboard Campaign
“Condemning terrorism has become a sixth pillar of Islam — we have to do it five times a day and nobody is listening. Neither the terrorists are listening, nor our neighbors. So we thought: let’s speak in a language people actually understand.”
The “Actual Muslims” billboard campaign was born from a simple frustration: no matter how many times Muslims condemn terrorism, the world does not seem to hear. Sound Vision’s strategy communication center developed billboards that speak directly to the American public in familiar, relatable language. The campaign has appeared in Chicago, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Miami, with the goal of taking it to Times Square — the heart of American media — to make the point once and for all that Muslims are the number one victims of terrorism and have always been its loudest opponents.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is depicted on the US Supreme Court building as one of history’s greatest lawmakers
- Harvard University displayed a Quranic verse (4:135) on its wall as the greatest expression of justice ever written
- Despite this institutional recognition, Muslim women are attacked for wearing hijab and mosques are vandalized regularly
- The “Actual Muslims” billboard campaign was covered by over 300 media outlets including CBS National News
- Sound Vision’s goal is to bring the campaign to Times Square to deliver the message at the largest possible scale
- Muslims are the primary victims of terrorism worldwide — a fact consistently ignored by mainstream media narratives
Connect with a Muslim — You Will Find a Human Being Just Like You
“Connect with a Muslim and you will see a human being just like you who struggles just like you. When it comes to faith, there is more in common than uncommon — because God sent all the prophets with one job: peace and justice.”
The message to every American watching is direct and heartfelt: the fear and hysteria manufactured around Muslims and Islam is a false boogeyman. The Quran calls humanity to peace and justice — the same values that every decent person holds dear. People of different faiths must connect in the common struggle for peace and justice in homes, neighborhoods, and across the world. Visit soundvision.com or actualmuslim.com to learn more about the campaign and support the effort to combat Islamophobia with truth, creativity, and the prophetic spirit of mercy.
