Day 47: Do You Own Your Muslim Identity? | Sheikh Mohammed Al-Hilli

Summary

The speaker highlights how Islam encourages integration while maintaining core principles like servitude, submission, and taqwa. Exemplary citizenship is encouraged, but not at the cost of assimilation, meaning that Muslims should not abandon their identity to satisfy others. The speaker shares inspirational stories, including one about a Belgian woman standing firm in her Islamic values despite threats, and another about a man prioritizing his faith over his job. These examples emphasize the importance of staying true to one’s Muslim identity while coexisting peacefully with others.

Takeaways

• 🕌 Islam encourages integration as long as it does not clash with key principles like servitude, submission, and taqwa.
• 🌍 Islam mandates exemplary citizenship, promoting positive behavior and peaceful coexistence with others.
• 💡 The Quran encourages Muslims to present their identity with pride, serving as a beacon of light and setting a positive example for others.
• 🚫 Islam discourages assimilation if it requires sacrificing one's core values to satisfy others.
• 🧕 There is a difference between integration and assimilation; Muslims should not abandon their religious identity in public spaces.
• 👩‍💼 The story of Naima in Belgium exemplifies standing firm in one’s beliefs despite external pressure and threats.
• 👑 The public support Naima received, including the Belgian king's endorsement, shows that standing up for one's values can garner respect and success.
• 🙏 Examples of Muslims practicing their faith confidently at work show that prioritizing religious values can lead to unexpected success.
• 🎯 Islam is not against cultural practices as long as they do not conflict with Islamic principles.
• 🌟 Confidence in one's faith and identity can lead to prosperity and positive outcomes, even in the face of challenges.

Q & A

What does Islam say about integration with other identities?

Islam encourages integration with other identities, such as American or Arab, as long as it does not clash with the principles of servitude, submission, and taqwa. The Islamic identity must remain the governing force in any integration.

How does Islam view exemplary citizenship?

Islam mandates exemplary citizenship, teaching that Muslims should represent their faith with pride and honor wherever they live, while promoting peace, coexistence, love, and tolerance.

What is the difference between integration and assimilation according to the script?

Integration allows Muslims to live in harmony with others while maintaining their Islamic values, whereas assimilation involves sacrificing one's religious principles to fit into another culture, which Islam discourages.

What challenge do some Muslims face in maintaining their identity?

Some Muslims may leave their Islamic identity at home or at the mosque, hesitating to express it in public. For example, sisters may take their hijab lightly or brothers may fear expressing their Islamic background at work or school.

What story is given as an example of standing by one's principles?

The story of Naima, a Muslim woman working in a Belgian factory, is shared. She refused to remove her hijab despite threats, and her boss supported her by collecting 20,000 signatures. This case garnered attention from the king of Belgium, who publicly stood against discrimination.

How did Naima’s boss and the community react to the threat against her?

Naima’s boss supported her decision to wear the hijab, even after receiving threats. He gathered 20,000 signatures from the community and company to show support. The king of Belgium later also supported Naima’s right to wear the hijab.

What lesson does the Quran teach about standing firm in one’s faith?

The Quran teaches that if you support the cause of Allah, He will support you in return. Even in difficult situations, staying firm in your faith will lead to success and blessings.

What did the speaker’s friend do when his employer asked him not to pray at work?

The speaker’s friend resigned from his job after being told by his manager that he couldn’t perform salah at work. He prioritized his religious obligations, and by Monday, he received a better job offer with a higher salary.

How does the script suggest Muslims should balance culture and religion?

The script suggests that Muslims should embrace cultural practices as long as they do not clash with Islamic principles. Islam is not against culture, and adhering to culture can be valuable.

What is the key message about Muslim identity in the script?

The key message is that Muslims should wear their religious identity with pride and confidence. Maintaining faith and staying true to Islamic principles will lead to success and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

Outlines

00:00

🕌 Embracing Islamic Identity While Integrating

This paragraph highlights the importance of integrating into other cultures while maintaining core Islamic values such as servitude, submission, and taqwa. Islam encourages exemplary citizenship and presenting a positive image to others while avoiding assimilation, which requires sacrificing one's values for acceptance. It stresses the importance of wearing the Muslim identity with pride in all settings, both religious and secular, and cautions against abandoning these values in everyday life. The narrative contrasts integration and assimilation, advising Muslims to uphold their identity despite societal pressures.

05:05

👑 Naima's Stand for Hijab and the Power of Steadfastness

This paragraph shares the inspirational story of Naima, a Muslim woman working in Belgium who faced death threats for wearing hijab. Despite the danger, she stood firm in her faith. Her manager, and eventually the community, supported her by collecting 20,000 signatures in solidarity. Even the king of Belgium publicly endorsed her right to religious expression. The story emphasizes that standing by one's principles in the face of adversity will bring success, with God's help. It shows that non-Muslims can sometimes support Islamic values and stresses the power of perseverance.

Keywords

💡Integration

Integration in the video refers to Muslims participating in society while maintaining their religious identity. Islam encourages integration as long as it doesn't conflict with core principles like servitude, submission, and taqwa. The speaker contrasts this with assimilation, emphasizing that Muslims should not sacrifice their values to fit in.

💡Islamic Identity

Islamic identity is the adherence to Muslim beliefs and practices. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's Islamic identity in all areas of life, not just at religious spaces like the mosque, but also in work and public life. The speaker shares stories of individuals who remained proud of their Islamic identity, even in challenging circumstances.

💡Servitude

Servitude here refers to the concept of being devoted to God and following His commands. In the video, it is mentioned as one of the key principles of Islam that must be upheld by Muslims. The term is closely linked to submission and obedience to Allah, and Muslims are encouraged to embody this in their integration into society.

💡Submission

Submission, in the Islamic sense, means surrendering to the will of Allah and following Islamic teachings. The speaker notes that submission, along with servitude and taqwa, should govern a Muslim's actions, ensuring that integration into wider society doesn’t compromise these principles.

💡Taqwa

Taqwa refers to the consciousness of Allah and a sense of piety or fear of displeasing Him. It is described as one of the core principles that Muslims should prioritize while integrating into society. Maintaining taqwa ensures that a Muslim's values remain intact, even in diverse environments.

💡Exemplary Citizenship

Exemplary citizenship refers to the idea that Muslims are encouraged to be model citizens who contribute positively to society. The speaker emphasizes that Islam mandates its followers to present a positive image of themselves and their religion, showcasing values like peace, coexistence, and tolerance.

💡Assimilation

Assimilation is described as the loss or dilution of one's values to conform to the dominant culture. The video discourages assimilation, stating that Muslims should not compromise their religious beliefs to gain the acceptance of others, contrasting it with integration, which allows for participation in society without losing one's identity.

💡Hijab

The hijab is used as a symbol of Islamic identity in the video. It is discussed through the story of Naima, a Muslim woman who refuses to remove her hijab despite threats. Her steadfastness leads to public support, showing how the hijab represents a visible commitment to faith and Islamic principles.

💡Cultural Tendencies

Cultural tendencies refer to the customs and practices from a person's cultural background. The speaker highlights that Islam is not against culture, as long as it doesn't clash with Islamic principles. Muslims can embrace cultural practices, provided they are aligned with their religious values.

💡Steadfastness

Steadfastness refers to the unwavering commitment to one’s faith and principles. The video provides examples, such as the story of Naima, to illustrate the importance of being firm in one’s beliefs, even when facing opposition or challenges, and the eventual success that comes from this faith.

Highlights

Islam encourages integration as long as it doesn't clash with the principles of servitude, submission, and taqwa.

Exemplary citizenship is mandated in Islam, according to the Quran.

Muslims are encouraged to wear their identity with pride, serving as a beacon of peace, coexistence, love, and tolerance.

Islam promotes integration but discourages assimilation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Islamic values.

Muslim identity should not be abandoned in public spaces; it should be consistent in both private and public life.

Inspirational stories, like Naima’s in Belgium, demonstrate how wearing the hijab and standing by Islamic principles can lead to success and support.

Naima's story in Belgium: despite death threats against her workplace for employing women who wear the hijab, her boss and the community supported her.

The king of Belgium supported Naima’s right to wear the hijab and spoke against discrimination.

Success comes from being steadfast in Islamic principles, as shown by examples of individuals who faced challenges but were rewarded for their faith.

A man resigned from his job because his manager didn’t allow him to pray during work, and he later received a better job offer with a higher salary.

These stories highlight the importance of having confidence in one's Muslim identity and standing firm in religious beliefs.

Islam is not against cultural practices as long as they don’t clash with its principles.

Culture can have value and meaning, and Muslims are encouraged to follow cultural traditions that align with Islamic teachings.

Maintaining pride in one’s Muslim identity in the face of challenges leads to both spiritual and worldly success.

The importance of balancing religious identity and cultural practices, integrating where appropriate, without sacrificing core Islamic values.

Transcripts

[Intro]

When it comes to integration, the religion of Islam encourages it as long as any other identity

whether it's American, Arab any other form does not clash with the principles and the values of these three things,

servitude, submission and taqwa, as long as these are kept as the governing identity Islam says you can integrate.

Indeed what Islam encourages is what? It mandates exemplary citizenship.

The Quran states that by wearing this identity with pride and honor you are able to come forward wherever living in the world

and present a good picture of the religion and yourself.

You can be indeed a beacon of light, an example for people to look at when it comes to the principles

that human beings all share peace, coexistence, love, tolerance.

Islam says, when you adopt this particular identity  you are able to indeed move forward in your journey,

present yourself in the best possible way yet at the same time it discourages this at the idea of assimilation, meaning what?

There is a difference between integration and assimilation,

we should not sacrifice our own values in order to reach the satisfaction of others, what do you mean?

I come to the mosque I come to the Jamia, to the center I'm a Muslim, I am praying,

I say salaam to others, a sister wears hijab, I go to school, I go to my office the I Muslim identity unfortunately sometimes is left,  

Is left at home, is left at the Jamia, so for instance sisters may take their hijab lightly

brothers when it comes to coming speaking to others they are afraid of expressing their islamicness,

their Islamic background, their Muslim identity and we  see this present in many shapes or forms

yet today we are told there are some inspirational stories out there

which highlight to us how we should be proud of our identity and Allah tabarak o ta'ala would bless us

and would give us strength and success if we stand there and wear the badge of the religion of Islam with pride and honor.

How? You've heard of the story of the lady by the  name of Naima in Belgium 2005 she wears hijab  

and she works in a factory packaging food what happened was that

the manager of the factory in Belgium in Europe receives a letter, the letter says that we will attack this particular factory  

and later on the letter contains a bullet.  

If you do not stop employing ladies wearing hijab  then your death is soon he was threatened with death.

This lady hears about it, she's struggling with the notion what does she do does she come and say to her manager,

you know what I'm gonna take my hijab off for you, it's okay.

You don't have to fit in, no she doesn't, she stands  by her principles, Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says

[Arabic]

If you support the cause of Allah, Allah will be with you, it might be an examination

it might be a difficult position that you may go through but  rest assured you will attain success at the end.  

Look at this story as an example,

Her boss says to her, don't worry. She says what do you mean? Her boss says to her keep wearing the hijab.

Notice that sometimes non-Muslims adhere to these principles.

She keeps wearing the hijab he collects 20 000 signatures from the city itself

and from the company to demonstrate what support for this lady Naima when it comes to wearing the hijab

and to stand against the extremists who are threatening this particular institution.

Later on the king, because this particular new episode gets publicity,

the king of Belgium is traveling in the area, hears about this, visits the same factory and stands next to this Naima

and the boss and addresses the people of Belgium and says we are against discrimination,

people are free to wear this particular dress code and to express their religion.

Can you imagine that a lot of indeed grants success and prosperity to those who are firm and steadfast.  

Likewise, I remember one of my friends and this  is a true story that sometimes you and I may go through.

He worked in a particular office and it so happens that every time when it comes to salah he goes to a particular corner

and he prays, he performs the salah, one day his manager saw him he says, what are you doing?

He said I am performing my salah, he said you should not do so here I don't like religious expressions in the office

you must do it outside, he said I can't do it outside, the weather doesn't help, there's no mosque or place of worship close by.

He said take it or leave it you are not allowed to perform any religious form or worship here in the office.

What did this man do? He said thank you very much I resign.

He said, what you will resign? He said yes, my religion is important to me

if you do not allow me to practice it then I cannot work here anymore.

He himself tells me what did he say, he said I placed my resignation on Friday.

He said the manager said fine you can go,

he says wallah by Monday I received an offer from a company and the salary was much bigger and the job was much better.

Salawat

These are demonstrations and examples that we are  presented with when it comes to feeling a sense of pride

and at the same time confidence in our belief, in our Muslim identity, in coming forward with this notion

because sometimes we assess ourselves with regards to where we come from, with regards to our families,

there is no problem when it comes to cultural tendencies.

Sometimes culture has a lot of value, has a lot of meaning, Islam is not against culture.

Many of us should adhere to the culture provided, it doesn't clash with the Islamic principles.

[Closing]