Have you ever pondered over the subtle connection between post-modern identity theory and its potential validation of waswas?
This correlation might appear somewhat tenuous or speculative, yet there exists an undeniable link between contemporary ideologies of identity and the concept of waswas.
Let’s begin with post-modern identity theory.
Well, what exactly is post-modern identity theory?
It is a school of thought questioning traditional and modern notions of identity, which are often seen as static and rooted in fixed categories like nationality, class, race, gender, and sexuality.
Postmodernism, however, views identity as fluid, fragmented, and evolving within a complex, decentralized society. This perspective includes several key approaches:
- Deconstruction of Identity: Drawing inspiration from Derrida, this viewpoint challenges the notion of a fixed, coherent identity, positing instead that identity is continually shaped by language and cultural narratives.
- Identity as Performance: Influenced by Judith Butler, this theory suggests that identity is constructed through repeated actions and cultural practices, like the performance of gender roles.
- Hybridity: Thinkers like Homi Bhabha explore identity formation at the crossroads of multiple cultures, emphasizing the blended nature of identity in a postcolonial, globalized world.
- The Postmodern Subject: Here, identity is seen as dispersed and multifaceted, echoing the complexities of modern existence, a concept often associated with Jean-François Lyotard and Gilles Deleuze.
- The Fluidity of Identity: This perspective underscores the evolving nature of identity, particularly relevant in discussions of sexuality, gender, and ethnicity.
These theories collectively anchor identity in subjective perception, rather than objective criteria established by Allah, the creator and lawgiver.
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This subjective approach blurs the line between personal passions and identity, as well as between external, intrusive thoughts and waswas.
Why is this problematic?
Waswas, often understood in modern terms as OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), involves intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the individual’s responses (compulsions) to alleviate the mental strain caused by them.
With OCD, there’s an abnormal interplay between the orbitofrontal cortex and the basal ganglia, leading to amplified compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts.
Interestingly, contemporary methods of addressing obsessions actually bear some resemblance to traditional ones.
They involve pausing and relabeling thoughts, consciously recognizing them as external and not inherent to one’s self.
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This cognitive technique, used in treating OCD, aligns with the divine guidance in the Qur’an for those afflicted with waswas:
Thus, whenever you recite the Qur’an, then seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the accursed [one]. (Qur’an, 16:98)
Therefore, repel [their] evildoing with that which is best [in the sight of Allah, pardoning and overlooking their harm]. We know well all that they [falsely] ascribe [to Allah and His Messenger]. Moreover, say [in entreaty]: My Lord! I seek refuge in You from the promptings of the satans [to do otherwise]. And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, from their presence. (Qur’an, 23:96–98).
Now, consider a society that teaches people from a very early age that each and every emotion is an integral part of their identity, unchangeable and not something to be ashamed of.
What happens when, confronted with sinful temptations, one is encouraged to accept and embrace these intrusive thoughts, normalizing them until they become ingrained as part of one’s very identity?
This is the peril facing modern Muslims. It is vital to understand that identity should not be based on the ever-changing and fluid standards of society; nor is it some sort of inescapable fate that we are bound to.
A Muslim defines their identity through embracing Islam and submitting to their Creator and Owner, the Lord of the worlds. This is the greatest protection against satanic whispers.
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This is what happens when you’re too extreme on anything. You would sway to the other extreme on bounce back. In Islam the best of affairs are in the middle path.
Our identity is fully fluid with regards to language, skin color and culture. We never had anti-immigration movements in the past like the Europeans have now.
However, our identity in religion and natural gender roles and Islamic values is solid.
Even in sexuality, for a long time Europeans believed even inside marriage straight sex to be a bad/dirty thing with Victorian values and all. Now, transgenderism and faggotry is the greatest act of piety. In Islam, we have the middle path of straight sex in marriage as a private matter but not seen as something inherently bad. We see it as a normal part of life that like all other aspects needs to be done in the halal way.
Yep
Viewing anything Allah created as inherently always evil and useless is a major mistake and kind of implying that Allah made a mistake. Even when you defecate there is a purpose to it, getting rid of toxins and undigested fibers, fertilize the soil, nourish all kinds of beetles and bacteria…
Evil is when you take something from it’s right place.
So them viewing sex as inherently evil was the result of a deficient intellect, ironic given they view themselves as superior beings.
Indeed
Correct
Also, a Muslim immigration has the benefits to expose the population to Islam and Muslims on a day to day basis which is more effective to convert people because Internet and the TV are just noises whereas personal experiences are remembered.
Whereas when they immigrate to our lands (more like colonize for worldly gains, spreading fasad) they are here to expose us to fitnah, disbelief and very concerned about our children doing the acts of Qawm Lut.
A very noisy part of the muslim migrants often does not behave in accordance with the values of Islam, damaging its image, especially in France, they are poorly educated young people with muslim names.
And many converts converted by traveling to Muslim countries and observing how authentic Islam is lived. There are many cases like this.
The difference between the Muslim population in Muslim countries and Muslim emigration in Europe is big.
A differentiation must be made between migrant Muslims in Europe and other places in the world such as the USA, Canada, etc. In Europe, Muslim migration was, and even continues to be, a poor population with civic problems derived from their poor socioeconomic condition(Similar to migration from latinamerica in the US).
In the US, Canada, etc; it’s a muslim migration with a socioeconomic background in better conditions and with less ignorance and more education, making them civilized people.
This is because there are Muslim countries that are Europe’s backyard(the Maghreb, Turkey,etc); the poor population of these countries can see Europe almost from their homes in some cases, and all they have to do is get on a little boat or walking and cross illegally; similar to the US/Mexico border.
Migration with education and from a less disadvantaged background has the capacity to go faraway(muslims in US, Canadá,etc or educated latin americans in Germany or UK).
Even in the 5 eyes – US, UK, Aus, NZ, Canada, the skilled migration is by Muslims “educated” only in duniya, not deen. That’s why these countries have problems of half baked simp imams. Besides, these countries too have huge chunks of Muslim population from unskilled uneducated poor sections of society even in duniya. The migrant Muslim is stereotyped as a food joint owner or a cabbie for the most part in the west. The pajeet is IT helpdesk!