In a world where I can choose any one of a million things to identify as, I choose to identify as an Ahmadi Muslim. Not only is my identity a solution to life’s countless problems, it’s a shield protecting me from any and all bombardments of these otherworldly times. I get it, it’s hard. You live in a time and place that vilifies you for your morals quicker than instant oatmeal heats up in a microwave. You fear being cancelled to the point where you start hiding who you are from a world yearning for your light. I truly get it. To put my words into perspective, let’s explore my own personal journey. I recently graduated from university with a bachelor of arts in political science.
If you know anything about postsecondary school in Canada, you know about the constant uphill battle against the established ideology adopted by these institutions. And if you know anything about studying political science, safe to say that uphill battle becomes a full-on war. However, while completing these years of university and fighting these constant battles, I came to a realization.
Standing firmly by my beliefs is as respectable as an act can be. Despite my beliefs contradicting the innovations of these newfound ideologies, my peers couldn’t help but respect the fact that I was able and willing to stand strong in my identity. The reason I say this is not to gloat or to boast, rather to show you how possible and desirable it is to stand strong in one’s identity no matter the situation.
“But what if my employers find out about my beliefs?” “What if my friends don’t think my beliefs are progressive enough?” “What if I get cancelled??” I understand how scary it can be. The fear of being shamed, the fear of being cancelled. However, despite the fear, I refuse to be bullied into forfeiting my beliefs. I refuse to forfeit my identity in a shameless attempt to accommodate someone else’s identity.
I refuse to turn my back on Allah just so I can proudly look up at my bullies. I understand the respect my identity deserves, no matter the reactions, no matter the consequences.
Furthermore, in addition to this basic element of self-respect, I understand that these scenarios are merely hypotheticals. Slowly but surely, the world is understanding the importance of being able to stand tall on one’s own two feet. Being able to stand strong in my Muslim identity is indeed what is deemed respectable. We are witnessing the importance of being a resilient pillar through a temporary sandstorm. That is indeed what this identity is, a firm pillar decreed by the Immortal, refusing to bend at any mortal’s whims. But let me also clarify, standing firmly by my identity as a Muslim does not necessitate hatred for others. Rather it’s quite really the opposite. My identity preaches a message of love and peace, morality and principles. In fact, my Muslim identity is grounded in an unshakable code of morality. Unlike the fashionable morals of the 21st Century, these morals don’t change like the seasons of the year. Like the rest of the world, I don’t have to wake up every morning bewildered about what to believe in or confused on what position to take on a dispute.
While the world still struggles to identify an ongoing genocide in Palestine, my religion has already offered the remedy. Islam has taught me the importance of absolute justice, global harmony and service to humanity. These are attributes that would cure the world of all its diseases, attributes that Islam laid out 1,400 years ago. I am privileged to have a moral code to live by that stands firm no matter the context or the time.
I am privileged to have Islam acting as a light in my life, no matter how dark it may be. Acting as a guide through my journey, no matter how lost I may be. Acting as a pillar for me to hold on to, no matter how vulnerable I may be. My name is Ali, and I am incredibly proud to say that I identify as an Ahmadi Muslim.
