Youth, Identity, and Islam: Exploring Identity and Faith by Shaykh Muhammad Carr
This is the first of four articles based on the On-Demand Course ‘Youth, Identity, and Islam’, will delves into the intersection of faith, identity, and societal challenges, providing practical strategies to build resilience and a strong sense of self.
Exploring Faith and Identity
Faith and identity are fundamental aspects of human existence, shaping how we perceive ourselves and our purpose in life. In this article, we delve into the role of faith in identity formation, exploring its significance, multifaceted nature, and how Islamic teachings address these concepts.
The Essence of Identity
The term “identity” stems from the Latin root meaning “sameness” or “oneness.” It implies a concordance between an individual and their essence. Philosophers like Farabi explored the concept in Islamic thought, using the term huwiyya in Arabic to signify identity.
In Arabic grammar, the linking word “huwa” (he/it is) encapsulates the concept of identity, representing the linkage between one’s essence and the description of their being. This linguistic synthesis reflects how Islamic tradition adapted the concept of identity from Greek philosophy, integrating it with unique Islamic perspectives.
Identity relates to who we are and what we believe about ourselves. Belief plays an integral role in shaping our sense of self. In Islamic teachings, belief cannot simply be inherited or imitated. The concept of taqlid (blind following) is discouraged when it comes to matters of faith. A person must develop their own convictions, rather than relying solely on familial or societal beliefs.
Freedom of Identity and Its Consequences
In today’s world, people can identify however they choose. However, identifying as a Muslim brings unique responsibilities and consequences. For instance, identifying as a “slave of Allah” defines one’s purpose as gaining knowledge of Allah and worshipping Him. Conversely, identifying with conflicting ideologies such as liberalism or feminism raises questions about compatibility with Islamic principles.
Key Questions on Islamic Identity
- What does it mean to identify as a Muslim?
- Can one simultaneously identify as a Muslim and align with other ideologies, such as liberalism or feminism?
These questions are fundamental for Muslims navigating modern challenges, urging reflection on the compatibility of Islamic beliefs with other frameworks of thought.
Understanding Identity Through Logic and Philosophy
The principle of identity, rooted in logic, is a foundational concept that transcends mathematics, extending to how we define ourselves and the world around us. This exploration unpacks the principle’s application, particularly in defining human identity, drawing from traditional philosophical frameworks.
The Principle of Identity: A Universal Framework
The principle of identity states that something is identical to itself. In mathematical terms, it is often represented as one entity being equal to another. However, this principle is not confined to equations; it applies universally.
For instance, when someone says, “You are a human being,” the subject (you) is identical to the predicate (human being). This identity forms the basis of logical reasoning: understanding that the subject and predicate are inseparable in defining who or what something is.
Logic and the Structure of Identity
Logic, particularly as taught in traditional schools, begins with defining entities. This process involves two key elements:
- Genus (General Category): The broad classification of what something is.
- Differentia (Specific Differentiator): The quality that sets it apart within its genus.
For example, consider the statement: “You are a human being.”
- Genus: “Living entity” – This includes humans, animals, and other living beings.
- Differentia: “Ability to think and reason” – This distinguishes humans from animals like cats, which are also living entities but lack the capacity for abstract reasoning.
Thus, the essential definition of a human being is a “living entity with the capacity to think and reason.” This definition aligns with classical logic’s approach to identity, emphasizing both the universal traits (genus) and the unique attributes (differentia).
Essence vs. Accidents
In philosophical terms:
- Essence: The fundamental nature of something that cannot change (e.g., being a living entity with the capacity to think).
- Accidents: Temporary or changeable qualities (e.g., laughing, sitting, or personal preferences).
For instance, laughter is considered an accident—it is not intrinsic to being human but rather a temporary state. While essence defines who we fundamentally are, accidents represent the mutable aspects of our identity.
Application to Modern Identity Discussions
In contemporary times, discussions of identity often extend to areas where individuals define themselves through choices or external attributes. However, from a logical perspective, certain aspects of identity, such as being a rational living entity, remain unchangeable.
This aligns with the idea that while humans have free will to shape their external attributes (the “accidentals”), their essence—their fundamental nature—remains constant. For instance:
- The “foundation” of a human being is akin to the structure of a house.
- The “finishes,” like windows and decorations, represent individual choices and preferences.
The principle of identity serves as a lens to explore what it means to be human. By understanding ourselves through logic and philosophy, we see that while certain aspects of identity are fixed and universal, others are shaped by personal agency and choice. This balance between essence and accidentals allows for individuality within the unchanging framework of our fundamental nature.
Ultimately, this perspective invites reflection on the question: Who are you? The answer lies in recognizing both the constants of our essence and the fluidity of our chosen attributes.
Understanding Identity from an Islamic Perspective
In today’s world, some individuals in places like the UK, for example, choose to identify as animals, such as dogs or cats, engaging in behaviors like barking in designated spaces. Although this may seem outlandish to many, it raises an important question: what role do we play in shaping our identity, and how does Islam view this issue?
The Body and Soul: The Core of Islamic Identity
From an Islamic standpoint, human identity is not solely based on physical appearance or external behavior, but rather on a deeper, spiritual level. The Quran offers a clear understanding of who we are. Allah speaks of humanity’s creation, explaining that humans are composed of two essential components: the body and the soul. The body, often referred to as the “clay form” in the Quran, is a temporary vessel. However, it is when the soul is infused into the body that a person truly becomes human. This concept is famously discussed in Surah Hijr and Surah Sad, highlighting the idea that while the physical form is important, the soul is what gives life its value.
The Value of the Soul in Defining Human Identity
The soul, according to Islamic teachings, elevates human beings above all other creatures. Allah instructs the angels to prostrate before Adam, not because of his clay form but due to the soul that has been given to him. In this sense, identity is defined by the soul, which carries with it the potential for reason and choice. Thus, human beings are not merely physical entities but possess an intellectual and spiritual dimension that defines their true nature.
Allah’s creation of the human being in the best of forms, as mentioned in Surah At-Tin, implies that humans are endowed with the capacity for greatness. Yet, as the Quran also explains, this potential can go in two directions: a person can either rise to the highest of levels or fall to the lowest of the low. The determining factor is the choices one makes, particularly in terms of adopting the right attributes or “properties” in life.
The Role of Belief in Shaping Identity
From an Islamic perspective, a person’s identity is not solely based on external factors like behavior or appearance but is deeply rooted in their relationship with Allah. Belief in Allah is the foundation of Islamic identity. It starts with the internal acknowledgment of servitude to Allah. This servitude is then expressed externally through worship, which leads to a higher level of spiritual perfection known as Ihsan.
Iman (faith) is the first step in developing a complete Islamic identity. True faith leads to submission (Islam) and eventually to perfection (Ihsan), where a person strives to embody the best possible version of themselves. The perfection of one’s soul involves aligning all aspects of life with the will of Allah, making obedience to Him the central goal.
Identity and the Environment: A Balance
In the modern world, many argue that identity is fluid and shaped by the environment. The idea of a “global village” suggests that people are increasingly influenced by the cultures and societies they interact with, leading to a more open-ended view of identity. While Islam recognizes that the environment plays a role in shaping a person’s identity, it also emphasizes that certain aspects of identity are fixed. For example, a person’s essence as a human being is set in stone—they are not a cat or a dog, regardless of how they may choose to identify.
Islam encourages the recognition of one’s fixed identity while allowing room for adaptation within cultural contexts. This is where the concept of urf (customs) comes in. While Islam respects cultural differences, it maintains that these customs must not override the essential laws of Allah. The Sharia provides a framework for filtering external influences and determining which properties or behaviors should be adopted as part of one’s identity.
The Role of Knowledge in Identity
Understanding one’s identity is not just a philosophical or theological exercise—it has practical implications for how we live our lives. As noted by classical scholars such as Imam Ibrahim Laqqani, a deep exploration of identity begins with self-reflection. When we recognize our true identity—our role as servants of Allah—it leads to a deeper understanding of our purpose in life and our relationship with our Creator.
As Islamic scholar Shaykh Buti discusses, true knowledge of oneself leads to knowledge of Allah. Recognizing one’s dependence on Allah—whether through the acknowledgment of our temporary existence or our need for divine care—helps define our identity as part of a greater cosmic order.
In a world where Islamic values are no longer the dominant force, many wonder how to re-establish a sense of Islamic identity. As Buti suggests, the process begins with personal transformation. By recognizing oneself as a servant of Allah, a person naturally gravitates towards a system that aligns with that belief. For Muslims, that system is the Islamic way of life, encompassing everything from individual behavior to governance.
In summary, identity, from an Islamic viewpoint, is not an arbitrary or purely social construct. It is defined by the soul and one’s relationship with Allah. While external influences can shape certain aspects of our lives, the core of our identity remains fixed. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is crucial to remember that true identity lies in understanding and fulfilling our role as servants of Allah. Only through this recognition can we reach the highest potential of our existence, both spiritually and in the world around us.
