Category: Identity

Identity

The problem with Vernacular Islam

Nayla Majestya In contemporary public discourse on Islam, the emergence of revisionist approaches is widely noticeable. Historically speaking, within the intellectual tradition of Islamic theology, the efforts to change Islamic principles has been well-documented and well-countered. The writings of classical Islamic ulama like Ibn Taymiyyah and Al-Ghazali have provided ample counter-arguments to theologically-deviated propositions. However, every generation claims to face specific cultural problems that need specific … Continue reading The problem with Vernacular Islam

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Identity

The Use and Misuse of Critical Thinking

Nayla Majestya Being a Muslim in the liberal arts, I have lost count of the number of times I have been told to be ‘critical’. There is an underlying assumption that as I am visibly Muslim, I must be simple-minded and in dire need of ‘critical thinking’ to be liberated from my false beliefs. However, over the years I have realised that this advice is … Continue reading The Use and Misuse of Critical Thinking

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Identity

“Why can’t Muslims take a joke?”

Aaminah Y. The world of entertainment has played its part in recent attempts to tackle institutional racism. As artists stepped down from voicing non-white characters and streaming sites removed scenes featuring racially insensitive content, a much needed line was redrawn in determining what is acceptable humour.  Yet, one area still subject to ridicule in the mainstream is religion. From the blasphemous Danish cartoons of the … Continue reading “Why can’t Muslims take a joke?”

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Identity

Critiquing influencer culture

Seven months in, 2020 has proven a hard year for influencers. The coronavirus pandemic that swept across the world saw many millionaire YouTubers and Instagrammers struggling to make ends meet[1], as advertising contracts were cut and lockdown measures limited content production. The industry was also the target of criticism in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests across the world, after many social media stars … Continue reading Critiquing influencer culture

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Identity

Do we choose to be ignorant?

Sarah Bellal I often feel as though we’re keeping our eyes shut and waiting for someone to turn on the lights. As the Muslim diaspora grows, so too do we grow distant from the ummah’s centers of knowledge. Comprising the most privileged tiers of a globalized society, few would call Muslims in the West uneducated. Yet countless Muslims go through higher education in the West, … Continue reading Do we choose to be ignorant?

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