Discovery Of The Muslim Identity In The Virtual World

Abstract

The identity building is an important phenomenon in every youth’s life. The Muslim youth is often in a tussle to build one’s identity in the globalized world. Consequently, the identity building process has taken a new route via the virtual world. The virtual identity in the virtual world has achieved significant place in the Muslim youth’s life. Nonetheless, the virtual world can build and destruct Muslim identity of the youth. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Muslim identity of the youth in the virtual world. Previous studies have studied the Muslim virtual identity but were based from Muslim countries. This study focuses Muslim youth from a non-Muslim country (India), where they are considered as a minority. The study aimed to answer five research questions proposed by the researcher; important role of Muslim youth, different virtual identities, difference between male and female virtual identities, and advantages and disadvantages of a virtual identity The study consisted of a quantitative study through a survey amongst college students in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 165 students responded that consisted of male and female participants from two selected colleges. A T-Test statistical analysis of the survey was of p value as 0.157779. The findings of the research recommend awareness about the virtual identity amongst parents and teachers and preparing Islamic guidelines for the Muslim youth to navigate through the virtual world. Scholars and Mentors are recommended to use virtual tools wisely in order to draw attention of the virtual Muslim youth. Muslim software developers and engineers are recommended to work in the virtual world to make it shariah compliant for the youth.