Reading Layl Ash-Shayr Vol. I: The Opening Act feels like immersing myself in one of their electrifying open mic nights, with every word meticulously curated. This anthology weaves an intimate tapestry of emotions, threaded with faith, resilience, and profound human experiences.

Each poem flows naturally, like moonlight illuminating the night, serene and radiant, casting quiet hope over the darkness. The collection captures the essence of beginnings, introspective journeys, and universal truths often left unspoken. Poems connect like A Lump in the Throat to The Garden of our thoughts, weaving Gratitude Practice into our lives, and highlighting the Barriers of Humanity we all face. This anthology sings a Swan Song that echoes well beyond the final curtain call.

Resonating with deep personal reflection and communal introspection, each piece makes us feel seen and understood. This collection celebrates the vibrant spirit and diverse voices of our community, inviting us into a sacred space where words become vessels of light and love. Guiding us through life's trials and triumphs, this anthology stands as a beacon of the flourishing Singapore Muslim literary community, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.

True to its genesis as an open mic, this book samples voices at turns brimming with devotional intensity and plainspokenness. It's exciting to see so many names new to me, and I look forward to the editors making good on their promise that this is just the opening act.

The Opening Act is an important anthology, the first wave of a rising tide of Malay-Muslim artists, writers, poets and thinkers exploring the relationship between the self, community, spirituality, religion, and God, within the context of 21st century Singapore and, in several cases, beyond. Against the backdrop of social media noise, cultural wars and whatever it is Mediacorp artistes and so-called influencers are peddling, The Opening Act is refreshing, brave and a defiant celebration of the truly necessary, in a world that often celebrates the wrong people and the wrong things.

Here you'll find confessional poetry, lyrical spoken word verses, expansive thought experiments and more, all in the service of speaking beatific truths that are hardly given a platform in Singapore. Explore the profound metaphors of Kaif's Fid Dunya Wal, take an emotional multi-national adventure in Noor Iskandar's sprawling head and heart space in the moving A Lump In The Throat or revel in life's joyous uncertainties in Ameera Aslam's beautiful Unexpected. Its an enjoyable read at the very least, but it's also a good entry to the people whose voices are powerful reflections of the Malay/Muslim/Malay-Muslim truths

May this book be a glowing testament to a thriving and unashamedly Muslim scene in poetry-writing Singapore. The editors Laili, Zu and Sarah have worked tirelessly to give a platform to so many eager voices, and this beautiful anthology is proof that with enough passion, zeal and generosity of spirit, the possibilities are quite simply endless.

Anyone can see themselves mirrored in the honesty and sincerity in this collection. Reading this felt like a hug, from a stranger, a loved one, a long-lost friend, the cool wind. You don't come to read this book seeking excitement, you come seeking a drink for your thirst, or some gas to fill up your nearly-empty tank. It's watching these writers open up their windows to let the sunshine in after the rain and feeling that light reflect upon you. Lovely stuff!

The Opening Act is a breathless delight. It is also a stunning pause, and a window to gratitude: here, poetry is thoughtful about its place in the universe. Which poetry is usually meant to be, yes, but here, these words assign new meaning to understanding our place as Muslims, as lovers of God, as participants in this beautiful world.