The Challenges Of Building An Islamic Identity In A Multi- Cultural Society: A Case Study Of Muslims In India

Abstract

The scope and significant arguments of the research in this thesis are as follows. This thesis aims to explore aspects of Islamic identities in Indian multicultural context. It argues that Islamic identities face challenges in the Indian multicultural context, largely because it is the influence of various cultures. The process of globalization brought broader impact on multiculturalism at national and international levels. At the national level, it has brought numerous challenges. India being a multicultural society, the Muslim community has own experience of multiculturalism. The Muslim community is exposed to different cultures and religion believes which has shown its toll on the belief system of Islam of a Muslim. The root of this problem can be traced to the ignorance on the part of a Muslim towards his/her own Islamic culture. Muslims in India differ significantly in their levels of religious commitments. Some Muslims make their religion a part of their cultural life and practice religion as a cultural habit. This has resulted in the epistemological crisis of great consequences to Muslim life and thought. This thesis presents the established concept of the influence of the culture of different religions on a Muslim with decrease knowledge of Islamic teachings. This thesis highlights reasons for un establishment of Islamic cultural identity in India; the consequences of this on the Muslims and Islam; and the recommendations to establish a strong Islamic identity in the Multicultural Indian society. Accordingly, the research questions that guide the thesis are dealt with the use of survey methodology involving quantitative research using formulated questionnaire. The study showed that though the literacy rate in secular education was high, Islamic knowledge was very little. Secular education has been preferred over Islamic education eventually leading to the formation of weak Islamic identity. The study also analyzes the multiculturalism effects on different age group Muslims. It has been analysed that different age groups face different cultural effects, due to which they lose the essence of Islamic identity. To build a strong Islamic identity and stabilise it through different contemporary challenges is necessary. Process of change must begin with acquiring Islamic knowledge from the sources, the Quran and Sunnah. This is because this builds critical thinking, that can separate the wrong from right according to the rules dictated by the Creator.