Voice of New Muslims

Contributed By Nasirah Cavaney, Victoria.

Identity

We identify ourselves by our sex, race, faith, culture and here in Australia even by the AFL club we support. Human beings by our very nature put labels on ourselves and seek to find where we fit in society. People don’t like to be ostracized; we all seek to belong.

A large chunk of our identity is tied to our ethnic and religious upbringing. ‘Western Culture’ is commonly connected with Christianity, the predominant religion of the ‘Western World’? But is the culture of the ‘West’ truly Christian in nature? Clearly there are many aspects of ‘Western Culture’ that go directly against the teachings of the Church. The truth is Australian culture is largely secular in nature.

Many call themselves ‘Christian’ yet when asked to explain Christianity; they are often stumped for answers as they have very little idea of what the Church’s true teachings are. The same applies to many ‘Muslims’ who identify themselves as Muslims yet have little or no knowledge of the faith they claim to profess.

For a person to choose a way of life that is different than the ‘norm’ is sometimes seen as being a traitor to their culture. People considering Islam can often be concerned that by embracing Islam they will be in limbo, not fitting in either Australian or Islamic culture. They believe their whole identity will be wiped away and they will become someone completely foreign, even to themselves.

Muslims have been guilty of adding to this dilemma. Some ignorant Muslims insist that a new convert has to shed their entire identity and take on a brand new persona. This is not true. In fact according to the Quran and also the Sunnah[*] this practice of shedding one’s identity is rejected.

Islam places great emphasis on the clear identification of family relationships. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Learn enough about your lineage to know your blood relatives and treat them accordingly." (At-Tirmidhi)

As Muslims we are told to keep our family names (surnames) regardless of whether our family names are pagan, Christian, Islamic, or Jewish etc. It goes even further with Muslim women keeping their maiden names regardless of their ethnic/religious background.

A new Muslim may change their first name, however, never their surname, except to revert to their birth surname. A new Muslim is under no obligation to change their first name unless it has an unislamic meaning.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: On the Day of Resurrection you will be called by your names and by your father's names, so give yourselves good names. (Abu Dawud)

Islam goes even further to include the father’s first name as part of a person’s name. Blood relationships should be clearly defined and any tampering with them is clearly forbidden.

If all Muslims followed the Islamic Naming System then it would be show the true universal nature of Islam. However within some cultures in the ‘Muslim World’ they have rejected the Islamic way and put in its place, the culture of the land.

But to be clear, the early converts never changed their surnames, be they Arabs, slaves or foreigners. Islam is open to everyone. There is no superior race in Islam; Islam is truly an universal religion. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) was sent for all of mankind.

And We have not sent thee (O Muhammad) save as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but most of mankind know not. (Quran Chapter 34 Verse 28)

Being Muslim doesn’t stop us enjoying the footy nor does it mean denying our ancestry. Being Muslim does mean placing our relationship with Almighty God as our highest priority.

And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship God, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight. (Quran Chapter 98 Verse 5)

[*] Practice of the Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him)

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