"You're a Salafi-Wahabi-Sufi-Maliki-Tablighi-Sunni-Shia?” Yes.
Sunday, August 09, 2009 Read more → Advice, editor, funny conversations, labelling, the misanthrope, zaufishan.co.uk In the name of God, entirely Compassionate, especially Merciful | Peace be with you
This is a piece I wrote for MuslimsInEngland.com.
Labels are tricky. And sticky. I can never manage to completely peel one off whole, in one piece; annoying little patchy remnants are always left behind.
The word "label" by definition has two significant meanings. One is a restrictive definition: "a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing, esp. one that is inaccurate or limiting". The other is more informative: "a small piece of paper, fabric, plastic, or similar material attached to an object and giving information about it".
These labels were invented to identify differences and similarities between people and events. Titles of superiority, names, heritage and class are stipulated to divide communities, so the aristocrat knows not to enter the hobo-land, and the 'gifted and talented' nerd does not associate himself with dyslexic difficulties. On the other hand, labelling everything possible makes it easier to distinguish right from wrong, albeit with an upheaval of opposition from both parties; it still is useful for sociologists and psychologists who study society's infrastructure and mentality. Like me. Or I.
The problem with labels though is that there are so many. Take for example the simple mundane task of entering a drug store to buy anything to wash that head-mop of hair - give me one person who is NOT stumped choosing between an 'anti dandruff shampoo with conditioner enriched with vitamin D' and the 'exotic mango and kiwi herbal' range. Bald people do not count in this example... People will create a niche, throw a label and product in and exclaim you MUST buy it, you need that label, your life is incomplete until you purchase another brand, stamp it on your forehead or tattoo it to your heart so as to seal your loyalty to these (and a thousand other) labels!
Labels are even more troublesome when used for faith and religious organisations. Within Christianity there are over 2500 denominations, and why? In Islam too, why stick with just plain old 'Muslim' when you can choose the brand of Islam you're following?! I ask though who can really live by that one black and white name when the Labels 'R' Us store has an array of colourful debating and contradicting labels? Of course this is not to criticise anyone who chooses to follow a particular group in Islam; of course organisations and groups of people have good intentions and aim to do right and save the world, yes, yes.
The purpose of mentioning this here is to halt that group of people, whoever they are, that claim title to the superiority-religious-card and shun every other person as a blaspheming sinner.
I remind myself first and then others that arguing our way to the top is not the solution to our identity crises when it comes to 'which Muslim are you?' And here I was under the illusion there was only the one. Silly me.In the Quran, chapter 8, Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) it reads:
People fall into arguments when they have different authorities or when their desire is the ultimate factor that shapes their views and ideas. When people obey only God and His messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), the main cause of dispute disappears.
Having different views is never a cause of dispute and conflict. What causes conflict is desire, making everyone insist that his view is the one to follow, even when it appears to be wrong. It is when that particular group of people mass produces their labels with the desire to convert everything else, that stubbornly attaches more importance to their being 'right', then listening to others or even removing other prejudices.Let people choose their own labels if they wish to do so. There is no major harm in labels, in names. There is a danger in trying to place self-fulfilling prophecies on every child or walling up opportunities for discussion, closing up ideas and building bridges between everyone. The world is not a box. Nor does it need a brandishing title. And yes, I am just a Muslim. I'm sorry.
Zaufishan | The Misanthrope
Peace & respect ★
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