Identity Crises in Young Muslims

The current generation of Muslims, raised in societies heavily influenced by Western ideas and values, has been left feeling confused and inferior. The leaders of the ummah, a term used to refer to the global community of Muslims to signify a collective unity and solidarity with each other transcending national, ethnic and cultural boundaries, have failed in their responsibility to provide Muslims with the assurance that they are not lesser than. One of the main reasons young Muslims feel confused and lost is the disparity between the two realities they face, which stems from not being connected with their roots and the rich history Islam offers, including contributions by Muslims in all spheres such as science, theology, and religion.

In general, every social, religious, and ethnic group in the world is conscious of its identity. One usually derives their identity from the history, geography, and cultural background of a particular region, along with its continued civilizational flow. In the complex modern world where we live, we all share multiple identities. Identity crises are common due to clashes between the various “realities” of our lives. These crises become much more pronounced for young Muslims due to an apparent divide between our traditional values and the seemingly antithetical values of the modern liberal world. Muslims in general, and young Muslims in particular, try to balance these two different realities to navigate their identities throughout their lives.

The reasons why young Muslims suffer from identity crises can be broadly classified into two categories: those of a general nature, experienced by all young demographics, and those specific to the Muslim identity issue. In this article we focus on the latter.

The first and foremost issues are related to clashes between cultural and religious identities. Thousands of years of cultural history does not get uprooted easily as they are entrenched in every aspect of our lives. Cultural traditions are held dear by nearly all who are born into them, as it is the only way of life known to them for most of history. People around the world have localized Islam and given it a cultural version that often puzzles young Muslims. These versions can seem inauthentic, and with the critical attitude brought about by globalization, young Muslims struggle to defend these incoherent hybrid models of Islam. Often, those who cannot differentiate between cultural and religious practices fall into the false notion of either embracing “this Islam” entirely or rejecting “all Islam” altogether. This leads to a crisis as the very foundation of their lives shakes, causing alienation from friends and families. This often happens due to a lack of education and familiarity with the subject matter, leading to misunderstandings based on hearsay and localized notions that no longer make sense in modern times. Exposure to negativity on social media exacerbates this issue.

Young Muslims try hard to fit in with the mainstream to avoid being singled out and scrutinized. The pressure to conform to the mainstream culture of the modern Western world, driven by peer pressure and fear of social ridicule, leads to comparisons and standards of “high life” that do not align with Islamic values, causing mental health issues. The community itself lacks unity and uniformity, and the self-critical approach towards their own people does not help. Religious guides often cannot help due to their lack of awareness and inability to understand the problems of young Muslims, refusing to acknowledge them, let alone present a solution. The fear of new technology as anti-Islamic has led some to become luddites, afraid of embracing change and remaining irrationally conservative. One fine example is the ban on the printing press imposed by the Muslim clergy upon its introduction. Notably, it wasn’t accepted until four centuries after its invention. At these points, following such leaders can seem like hindering self-development and growth, shunning progress in general, and remaining bound by obsolete cultural and religious traditions. To shield themselves from new ideas, the religious elite have adopted self-isolation instead of facing challenges and positively engaging with new themes and ideas that could provide a way forward for the Muslim Umaah as a whole.

Religious ideas, notions, and understandings need to be reinterpreted in light of new developments and discoveries. A dedicated group of people is needed to fill the roles of guides and carefully evolve understanding in an informed way, helping individuals overcome their challenges. Traditionally, this role was played by scholars and spiritual guides in the Islamic tradition, but much of the current Muslim population lacks such leaders. The ummah needs leaders who can shape an alternative modernity coherent with Islamic ideals and values, truly bringing in a balance. There is no better choice for this work than young Muslims themselves, who are most familiar with these challenges through personal experiences.

Inaaya Haque is  a student pursuing Psychology Honors at Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by: Zakia Tasnim Ahmed