Al hamdu lillahi rabbil ‘alameen. Was salaatu was salaamu ‘alaa ashrafil mursaleen. Sayidinaa wa nabi’na wamoulanaa Muhammadin wa’ala aalihee wa sahbihee wasallim.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters

Today’s khutbah is about the Search for Identity. This search for identity is going on at every level, in every society. It has become a world-wide issue.

Most of us will recognise the search for identity amongst our Muslim youth. When we observe a change in their mannerisms, their attitudes and values, we should, rightfully be concerned about the danger of them losing their Islamic identity in the cultural melting-pot of our multiethnic society. But, while we consider our own fears, let’s not forget that our neighbours in the global village are also deeply anxious about their own identity.

If we look around us carefully, we will see that behind the dazzling façade of wealth and power in the Western world, there is a deep sense of insecurity, and uncertainty about the future. This is clear at all levels, from the individual, to the family, the community, and, in national and international life.

Let’s take just a few examples. The end of the Cold War brought the collapse of Communism and with it, an ideological vacuum in many former communist states. Yugoslavia is fragmented, the Balkans highly unstable. Serbs have retreated into a state of tribalism and race hatred, thinly disguised as Serb nationalism.

Across Western Europe there is a move away from nationalism to a form of internationalism, but despite its declarations of liberalism and democracy, the European Union does not welcome viable and independent Muslim states into its exclusive club. Hence the tragedies of Bosnia and Kosovo that were allowed to unfold, and the European Union’s refusal to accept Turkey as a full member, even after Turkey helped defend Europe against Communism, for half a century, as an important member of NATO.

Turkey is in fact, going through something of an identity crisis of its own. The secular and Islamic forces are engaged in a bitter struggle for the soul of the nation. Recently, a Turkish woman MP caused a furore by wearing a headscarf in parliament. She was accused of violating Turkey’s secular constitution.

Closer to home, we’ve even had elections around the question of nationhood and identity. Implicit and explicit questions are being asked: are we English, Welsh, Scottish or British? Are we British or European? Are we British Muslims, or Muslim Britons? One could take this search for identity to ridiculous extremes. It has now reached the delicate, private and personal subject of gender. Some people even question whether they are really male or female, and a few sadly confused individuals have undergone surgery to change their sexual identity. What does all this mean?

Deep down, underneath, people are asking the most fundamental of questions, wherever they are, all over the world;

Who am I, and why am I here? This question is as old as history itself. But perhaps never before, has it been so difficult to answer.

What is my purpose? Where is my destiny? What, indeed, is my real IDENTITY?

The urgency to find answers, has been compounded by the sheer pace of modern life. Never in history, have so many civilisations lived so closely and been so intertwined and intermixed, than in our present times. A little over two centuries ago, before the age of steam, the fastest mode of travel was the horse. Civilisations were separated by vast distances, both in geography and history. Influences of culture and technology took many years to effect. The use of paper, printing and gunpowder, for example, took over 300 years to reach Europe from China. Today, no part of our planet is beyond instant contact by phone or satellite TV. Cultural influence, good and bad, is just as powerful and all-pervading. The history and geography of many cultures and civilisations, is being written on the same page at the same time. This can either be a recipe for chaos and conflict, or, it can be for mutual enrichment.

We Muslims should consider our present situation as a wonderful opportunity. There is a deep and profound search for Identity, inside and outside the Ummah. Some of us have fallen into the same trap as others have done, seeking our identity in various national and cultural groups. We see ourselves as Arabs or Pakistanis or South Africans. This is a serious mistake. The right answers have been with us for over 1400 years. Muslims should have no anxieties, no doubts and uncertainties, about their identity. Our identity and our purpose in life, are clearly set out in our kalima shahadah.

"I bear witness that there is no God except Alláh, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Alláh."

So, first and foremost, we identify ourselves as witnesses to the unity, the one-ness of Alláh, and the prophethood of Muhammad [sws]. These are the first words we hear, moments after we are born, and these are the last words on our lips, moments before we die. And in between, throughout our lifetime, we recite our identity and mission statement many thousands of times over, during our prayers:

"Innas salaatie, wa nusukee wa mah yaa ya, lillaahi rabbil aalammeen. Laa shareekala wahbithaalika umirtu, wa ana minal Muslimeen."

"Truly, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death is only for the Lord of All the worlds; no partner has He, and I am one of the Muslim people."

This then, is our clear and unmistakable identity. We are Muslims. We willingly submit ourselves, totally, to Alláh, and we represent Him as Ambassadors of Islam.

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At the community level, our identity is clearly described in Sura Al Imrán verse 110: Here, Alláh, [swt], sets out this beautiful charter, this wonderful declaration of identity for the true believers:

Note that being "the best of peoples" in the eyes of Alláh, has nothing at all to do with our ancestry, our wealth, our nationality, our race or the colour of our eyes or the texture of our hair. The one simple yet profound distinction, is enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong,. Anybody, from whatever social, economic or cultural background, has an equal chance to seek Alláh’s pleasure, by simply enjoining right and forbidding wrong, and believing in Alláh.

According to the Holy Qur'án, rather than imitating others, we Muslims should be the role models for humankind. Throughout history, it was those who cultivated spiritual force and moral strength that ultimately prevailed over the forces of darkness, despite advanced technology and military might. Genghis Khan with his Mongol hordes, laid waste to Baghdad when the Muslims were weak, Yet in time, they became Muslims themselves, and conquered India as the Moghul dynasty.

We should therefore not be discouraged by our apparent weakness. A careful assessment of our situation will show that we have a great deal to contribute to the wellbeing of mankind. While the modern West has overwhelming political, economic and military influence, in the realm of ideas, it has come to a cul-de-sac, a dead end. Materialism, consumption, moral expediency, ambiguity and relativism have left thinking people confused and bewildered. The human race is desperately searching for a role model, a guide, an identity. Christianity has moved so far from the true teachings of Nabi Isa, that it’s influence on world affairs continues to decline. In the modern West, there is material prosperity and personal freedom, but there is also a conspicuous moral and spiritual hunger. Many of our neighbours are ready for Islam. The question is, are we ready to present Islam, or rather, to represent Islam, as Alláh’s ambassadors?

We Muslims follow Prophet Muhammad [sws] the best of guides, the role model par excellence. But so far, we have not successfully brought his life, example and legacy to the attention of mankind. Alláh has entrusted us to bring His message to the world. It is a great challenge and responsibility. We need to focus on our priorities. Many of our non-Muslim neighbours are nearer to accepting Islam, than we think.

We should therefore, be extremely careful in how we address our non-Muslim neighbours. Some of us can be insensitive and offensive, when they refer to non-Muslims. Sometimes, I hear Muslims talk a little carelessly about what they call the "kufr society" out there, as if everything outside our Muslim circle falls in the domain of unbelief. To others, this can sound rather arrogant, and this harsh attitude will not bring them closer to us. We should remember that patience, tolerance and noble conduct were characteristics of our Prophet Muhammad sws. These qualities should also become an integral part of our Identity. Perhaps our time will be better spent, doing what pleases Alláh, and leaving it to Him, to divide the world between believers and unbelievers. Allah alone, knows best.

The Holy Qur'án also says, in Súra 3 [Al Imrán] v113-115:

"Not all of them are alike: of the People of the book are a portion that stand (for the right); they rehearse the signs of Allah all night long and then prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong; and they (hasten in emulation) in (all) good works; they are in the ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knows well those that do right."

innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma salli alá Muhammad, wa ala áli Muhammad, kama salayta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.

Dear Brothers and Sisters

From the moment of birth to the moment of death, our whole lives should be an affirmation of that role which Alláh has decreed for us. To be Khaleefatullaah. Ambassadors of Alláh. We Muslims, of all people, should have no doubts about our identity. We may find ourselves speaking Urdu or English or Arabic, and we may find ourselves living in Europe or Africa or Asia, but essentially, our identity has nothing to do with history, geography, language or culture.

Our basic identity is about Belief. Faith. Iman. It’s what we have inside. This is much more important than what we wear or don’t wear, on the outside, or which passport we travel with. So often, we allow ourselves to be distracted by matters that have no relevance to our priorities. We make judgements about one another… "does he wear a beard? Or a tie? Does she wear hijab, or at least a scarf?" What shows on the outside is given much more importance than what shines from the inside. We must beware of making superficial judgements about fellow Muslims. Some of us are in different stages of Islamic awareness. We all need encouragement, not embarrassment. Our real identity goes much deeper than scarves and beards. Our real identity is what we cherish deep inside our hearts.

Recently I went to post some mail at our local post office, just after Jum’a on a Friday afternoon. And there, standing in the queue, busily filling in his lottery numbers, was a Muslim brother, in full uniform, prayer cap, full beard, best national dress. No one could fault his appearance. But sadly, he seemed a little impatient for help from Alláh, to he decided to try his luck the National lottery!

Dear Brothers and sisters, this brings us to another question regarding our identity. Is it enough to observe just the absolute minimum requirements of being a Muslim? To observe the dress code, the beliefs and rituals, is a big challenge, but is it enough? There is a difference, a big difference, between a mere Muslim, and a true Believer. That is why, the Holy Qur'án uses the term:

"Ya ay yuhal latheena ‘amanu", "O you who believe!" rather than, O you who consider yourseves Muslims!

One Hadíth describes the difference between a Muslim and a Believer, in these beautiful words:

"A Muslim is he, from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe. A Mu’min or Believer, is he in whom mankind has a sanctuary for its life, and property.

Isn’t that wonderful? Just imagine, if we could all achieve that noble state. Some of us have difficulty in getting to the first stage, that is, not hurting other Muslims in our words and deeds. But if we could actually, in our thoughts, feelings, speech and actions, seek to protect the lives and property and honour of the whole of mankind. … Just think about it. This is a really worthwhile goal to set for ourselves. A true believer, therefore, is someone infinitely greater and nobler that a mere Muslim.

In Modern Man’s search for his roots, his basic identity, what could be a better identity than that of a true Believer in Alláh, the Lord of all created things?

I cannot find a better role, a more fitting identity, to which you and I should aspire. Let us strive to become more than mere Muslims, and let us really try hard to become true Believers. May Alláh help us in this lifelong endeavour. This is not a destination. It is a way of life, a means of travelling through life.

Let us pray to Alláh, blessed and exalted is He, that He may keep us ever watchful over our identity as Muslims and as Believers. May Alláh grant us strength, patience and perseverance, so that we not only preserve our identity, but we draw others to Islam by our own noble conduct. May Alláh always help us to build ourselves from the inside, starting with our faith, iman.

May Alláh guide us, and our children, and all Muslims to the straight path.

Ameen!                          Aqeemus salaah!