Justin Trudeau’s Eid greeting, a message of inclusion that speaks what America should be. The elevation to “unity in humanity” from the default tribal mentality prism, whether cultural or ideological, is the correct entry point of affiliation and identity definition we should embrace.
For many immigrants, specifically of Muslim faith, the question of identity comes often as an unresolved problem, specially for the second generation. This problem has been created by the first generation, from the perspective of loyalty and allegiance conflict with belief as well as injustices abroad. This resulted in dual personality for Muslim youth.
Workshops, conference sessions, etc discussing Muslim identity with youth were, and are still not uncommon to hear about. Not too long ago, more voices reconciled internally that there is no conflict in being a Muslim and an American.
We should look at identity from a different paradigm. It is inferred from the Quran. It is in two levels that fit the global village scope and the universal domain. The first stems from the oneness, unity, and brotherhood of/in humanity. Here are some examples that attest to this view: “O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul,” (4:1). “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female,” (49:13).
Not only from these verses, but also in the messengers and prophets approach to their people; being part of the people (human body). “And We had certainly sent Noah to his people,” (11:25), “He said, “O my people,” (11:18), “And O my people,” (11:30). “And to ‘Aad [We sent] their brother Hud. He said, “O my people, worship Allah,” (11:50).
We see this repeated over and over again throughout the message of Quran. If we don’t wholeheartedly feel the strong connection and compassion with the people around us, regardless of their culture, conviction, language, complexion, and looks then we detached ourselves from the human race.
“Brotherhood in Humanity” is the first level of elevation in identity we should step up too. We should feel the bond of wherever we go on planet earth as my own brothers and sisters and fellow citizens, without borders. This earns the individual what I describe as the “International Citizen” identity.
The second step up is the ultimate, the premier and the by choice identity. That is to be a “Servant of God”. This earns the person the “Universal Citizenship”; the perspective of man’s affiliation with other creation in this universe. Here it is,
“Never would the Messiah disdain to be a servant of Allah , nor would the angels near [to Him]. And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant – He will gather them to Himself all together.” (4:171).
“[Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah,” (19:30). “And remember Our servant Job,” (38:41). “And remember Our servants, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – those of strength and vision. …. And indeed they are, to Us, among the chosen and outstanding.” (38:45 and 46). “And that when the Servant of Allah [Mohammad] stood up supplicating Him,” (72:19).
“There is no one in the heavens and earth but that he comes to the Most Merciful as a servant.” (19:93)
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(c) Ahmad Sultan