In a world often deeply divided by differences, there’s a Muslim clean comedy show that’s using humor to break down stereotypes and highlight shared experiences.

“We’re excited to present ‘Halal Hilarity’ (a playful reference to the name for Islamic religious food and drink guidelines) at SteelStacks, featuring Lehigh Valley native and Parkland High School graduate Usman Habib,” said ArtsQuest Programming Specialist Addyson Young in an email. “It’s always special to see local talent on our stage, especially as part of such an inspiring and internationally recognized showcase.”

Habib, a member of Parkland’s Class of 2009, will take to the microphone at 7 p.m. Nov. 29 at SteelStacks’ Fowler Blast Furnace Room. The Muslim comedy showcase will also feature Omar Regan and Delaware state representative Madinah Wilson-Anton.

In a phone interview, Habib recalled feeling self-conscious about being different from other kids growing up in the Allentown area in the years immediately following 9/11. “I was a brown man from Pakistan. And when I came to America, they said, ‘Are you white, Asian, Black or Hispanic?’ I guess I’m Black? I didn’t know where else I fit in,” he said.

It turns out storytelling about feeling like an outsider resonates with audiences. “I love to put people in my shoes and then walk them through the emotions – whether that’s confused, hilarious, awkward, scared – that helps establish a bond with the audience,” Habib said.

However, sometimes the bond can get too close for comfort. A reel on Habib’s Instagram account (@usmanhabib) from a standup performance during Musikfest features him getting interrupted by an enthusiastic woman in the audience who felt the need to share her observations about Egyptian women wearing hijabs. But instead of getting rattled by the intrusion, he made it seem like it was a natural part of the act.

“I’m always cognizant of I might be the only Muslim entertainer this woman ever sees,” he said.

After earning a master’s degree at Temple University, Habib – who now lives in Philadelphia – started exploring the standup comedy scene in 2016. “I met Kevin Hart. I worked with Shane Gillis. When I told them about my story about being a Muslim in America, being an immigrant in America post-9/11, they loved it. They said, ‘Hey man, the world needs to hear these things because they don’t understand the perspective of someone like you,’” he said.

A year and a half ago, Habib collaborated with fellow Muslim comedian Moses the Comic to create the “Halal Hilarity” show and take it on the road to different cities. According to Habib, audiences from Philly’s Helium Comedy Club to The Comedy Store in Hollywood, Cap City Comedy Club in Austin, Texas, The Stand in New York City, and beyond have all laughed along.

“It’s to show people hey, Muslims aren’t scary; we’re actually funny. And we can be funny while being clean and being family-friendly,” Habib said. “What better thing to do than to bring this show back home?”

The ArtsQuest website stipulates that for all comedy shows, children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“What would really make me happy is for the local community in Bethlehem to come out and say, ‘Not only did we laugh and have a good time, but we learned about a different culture and a different perspective,’” he said.

Pro tip: When Habib says “As-salaam alaikum” – an Arabic greeting that means “may peace be upon you” – the standard response is “Wa alaikum salaam,” or “and may peace be upon you.”

“Halal Hilarity,” 7 p.m. Nov. 29, Fowler Blast Furnace Room, SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem. 610-332-1300, artsquest.org/event/halal-hilarity.