Youth, Identity, and Islam: Navigating Identity in a Multicultural World by Shaykh Abdul-Samee al-Yakti

This is the second of four articles based on the On-Demand Course ‘Youth, Identity, and Islam’, which delves into the intersection of faith, identity, and societal challenges, providing practical strategies to build resilience and a strong sense of self.

This article will look at two main sections:

1. Addressing and resolving the issue of identity crisis, including its origins, classifications, and causes, and how to treat it.
2. Offering essential advice to our young men and women living in multicultural societies.

Let me begin by discussing identity analysis. What does identity mean? Linguistically, identity refers to the essence or the very being of something. It has a direct relationship with the problem of identity crisis.

Identity is about belonging—belonging to a religion, a language, morals, a homeland, a gender, a group, or other affiliations. This belonging needs to be firmly established and constructed. When there is a flaw in this foundation, it leads to an identity crisis or the emergence of identity confusion. 

The Example of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace)

To understand the importance of building and forming identity or personality from the beginning, let us consider the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace).

When he was in Mecca, he spent approximately thirteen years instilling this religious identity and the principle of monotheism in his companions, as well as ethical values. After that, when he migrated to Medina, he taught them the rules of Sharia over the next ten years. This demonstrates the significance of establishing religious and moral identity as a foundation.

Now, how do we maintain this identity? What are the essential elements to be aware of? In short, there are two key aspects I will discuss:

1. The concept of imitative behavior (imma‘iyya).
2. The notion of natural disposition (fitra) and how identity crisis stems from a deviation from this natural disposition.

Let’s first examine the concept of imma‘iyya (blind imitation), its meaning, and its impact on identity crises. Then, we will classify the types of identity issues.

The word imma‘iyya refers to blindly following others without independent thought. Allah mentioned in the Quran that one reason for the punishment of those in Hellfire is their blind conformity. As Allah (Most High)says: “And we used to enter into vain discourse with those who engaged [in it]” [Quran, 74:45]. Scholars interpret this as following others into falsehood or actions disliked by Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) warned against being imitators, saying: “Do not be a blind follower who says, ‘If people do good, I will do good; and if they commit wrong, I will also do wrong.’ Instead, prepare yourselves to do good when people do good and refrain from wrongdoing even when they commit it.”

Identity crisis stems from this blind imitation, which weakens individuality and decision-making. Abdulla Ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) explained that in the pre-Islamic era, the term imma‘iyya referred to someone who joined uninvited feasts. In Islamic terminology, it evolved to describe someone whose religion and actions blindly follow others. He advised against imitating others in matters of faith and behavior.

The broader classification of identity issues includes:

• Natural issues: These arise from unmet human needs, such as the natural desire for companionship or marriage, which, if unfulfilled within proper bounds, may lead to deviations.
• Unnatural issues: These include behaviors opposing the natural disposition, such as atheism, moral corruption, or deviant sexual preferences. These oppose the innate human fitra, as Allah created humans on a pure nature.

The Quran and prophetic teachings emphasize returning to this natural fitra. For example, the Prophet said: “Every child is born upon the natural disposition (fitra). It is their parents who make them Jewish, Christian, or Zoroastrian.” This underscores the importance of protecting and nurturing our inherent values and morals.

Identity crises can manifest in several forms:

1. Religious identity crisis: Deviation from faith or falling into atheism.
2. Moral identity crisis: Straying from upright character and values like honesty, chastity, and generosity.
3. Sexual identity crisis: Deviations such as same-sex attraction or gender identity changes.
4. Cultural and intellectual identity crisis: Extremes of rigidity or excessive leniency, leading to a loss of balance and moderation.

Practical Advice for Youth in Multicultural Societies

1. Cherish your religious identity: It is a divine gift.
2. Differentiate between constants and variables: Hold firm to unchanging principles while adapting to permissible changes.
3. Engage with others respectfully: Coexist with diverse communities without compromising your beliefs.
4. Choose your affiliations wisely: Your choices shape your future.
5. Avoid blind imitation: Maintain a strong and independent personality.
6. Preserve your integrated identity: Do not compartmentalize or compromise your beliefs.
7. Represent your identity responsibly: Be an ambassador of your faith and values.
8. Seek knowledge from trusted sources: Join programs that promote balanced and authentic understanding, such as the Seekers Guidance platform.

May Allah benefit our youth through these advises.

Articles in This Series

1. Exploring Identity and Faith by Shaykh Muhammad Carr
2. Navigating Identity in a Multicultural World by Shaykh Abdul-Samee al-Yakti
3. Fostering Healthy Religious Identities by Moulana Zakariyya Harneker
4. Social Media and Muslim Youth – Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib