To define the space in which we live as well as the open aspects of our identity is essential but still not enough. Muslims today experience, sometimes with a great deal of tension, conflicts of belonging, and if they themselves do not feel it as such, their fellow-citizens sometimes manage to connect them with another belonging—to “their community,” “their brothers” from some other place, as if this attribution were one more sign that they do not really belong to the Western nations. For decades the same intentional process has been directed in Europe against Jews, whose genuine loyalty has always been suspect. Muslims face the same judgment, and international events push them even more onto the defensive. So this issue must be dealt with particularly explicitly.
Let us ask the questions clearly and simply: should Muslims be defined in the light of the notion of community (umma), or are they simply Muslim citizens of one or another Western country? To which group or collectivity do they belong first, to the umma or to the country in which they live as residents or citizens? These are sensitive questions, for behind their outward meaning we find the fundamental question—is it possible for a Muslim to be an authentic European or American, a real citizen, a loyal citizen?
I am reminded of something Bruce Lee said. “Be like water”. Fluidity is essential to our Being. In most instances Fluidity will work… only occasionally some Rigidness may be necessary. Muslim is not an Identity as such. When Allah (swt) Reveals that “we have NAMED you Muslim”— does not mean NAME, literally. IT is to with Being Recognised as Those who Exhibit The Attributes that are inherent in The Term Muslim. Islam did not give birth to the term “Islam”. The Arabs used that term before Islam came to them. Islam did not give birth to the term Muslim. The Arabs used that term before Islam. Muslim bascically entails seeking to Mould Ones Being by The Dictates of Universal Love (which means, ALL that that Universal Love Entails…. justice, fairness, decency and so on). There is no need to seek to Crystallise Identity. To seek to do so will lead to Insanity. We cannot solidify what is essentially FLUID by Nature. We have to be Alert to The Needs of Universal Love in whichever TimeFrame of Existence we Exist, and Strive to Fulfil these Needs. All Best. Love.
Ideally, the conceptual framework for ‘Ummah’ can be enriched by considering developments in the previous two recipients of the unfolding (evolving?) Abrahamic tradition regarding the discrepancy of the ‘now condition’ of communal self-identification, i.e., for each of the three traditions, the Chosen People; the Bride of Christ; the Ummah; and the theological or mystical understanding those concepts represent. Being most familiar with Catholic understanding of the Church as the Bride of Christ being one and yet-not-quite the same as the temporal reality equated with that concept — perfect, spotless, flawless in its potency yet in a world of imperfection inevitably scarred by imperfection, its very potency communicated by a reality grasped by faith. The wisdom and truth of the tradition guarded by each Abrahamic community is only as strong as the platform of lived experiences that individually and collectively witness to the truth(s) that enable(s) a foundation for assent in faith to Truth Itself — on the part of the individual person as a member of the Ummah. The long and short if all this is that I/we as Muslim(s) and as American citizen(s) cannot separate the boundaries of these two identities. They intertwine without conflict in that the concepts of what it means to be an American citizen and at the same time a member of the Islamic Ummah are co-equal temporally. Outside of time these distinctions will collapse (or perhaps better stated as ‘blossom’) into a bliss that has no room for such distinctions since distinctions are marks of the temporal which in that state of being will have dissolved into the One Reality. However, we necessarily exist inside of the temporal. In that dimension , it is consistent for both ‘memberships’ conceived within the imperfections consonant with any temporal reality to fall short of the ideal. Both ‘memberships’ can demand protest and witness to realities that transcend present conditions and call for corrections. The temporal body of the Umnah can and does fall short as well as what it means to be American. At this level it is conceivable that witness to failure and need for correction is necessitated by the understanding of faithfulness to Ummah or to being American — but precisely because of the ideals espoused by both. Inherent in this understanding is an openness to Other in both the commitment to faith tradition and nationality. To me this seems to mean we can and ought to have an openness to not only other nationalities being capable of doing this, but also other faith traditions.
I’d appreciate any constructive criticism or guidance in my thinking…thanks.
Peace, Paul McClure
Good afternoon Tariq…
In response to your deep thoughts about where East meets West & the perception of Islam from the Western side… How would I a widowed Unitarian Pastor be received in Islam if I went to a Mosque & decided to do my Prayers because I found the architecture & singing very beautiful? Or if I went to St Sophia’s in Constantnoplois & did a Unitarian service there because this was initially the Temple of Chistendom? Perhaps to create a dialogue in our Unitarian prayer that ascribes to true contempory life in 2016 as Human beings & Women also who have strong faith ties to this World Will constitute a path of awakening…I have not yet understood Islam due to being literally banned from these places of prayer that are dominated by males & I don’t wear traditional dress of the East… Thoughts please… Peace thank you
Unlike some comments above i believe that Islam is about both value and identity. There is no total fluidity so that there is peculiar identity dictated by the values and principles. That is why for example the 10th day of Ashura is fasted for the values like justice, freedom, equality, etc. and the other next day is all about defining own identity. Everyone needs to get ti Islam should see a special Muslim community with its own cultural and other manifestations so that the door toward this community will be opened for him. will be welcomed and celebrated. This is not about being isolated and not about lack of integration. it is natural and positive. It is only through this that a community capable of being witness for others will rise. Value + identity will go together toward the light