Do Not Call Me A ‘Moderate Muslim’

From the very threads of my earliest memories, Islam has illuminated my path. My initiation into the realms of faith was gently guided by my mother’s voice, teaching me the curves and sounds of “alif” – the first letter in the sacred name of Allah – and “sheen,” the beginning of my own name. These lessons deepened over time, enriched by both of my parents, who nurtured in me a sense of bravery, devotion, and belonging within the comforting walls of our local mosque, a place that felt like an extension of our home.

Wrapped in my identity, reading scripture that dances right to left across the pages, and seeking solace in the mosque rather than a church, I’ve lived a life firmly rooted in the universal morals of kindness, honesty, and respect. Yet, navigating a world reshaped in the aftermath of 9/11, I noticed a shift. My language, the outward expressions of my faith, and the community of my mosque began to be perceived through a lens of suspicion.

The emergence of this new reality compelled me to inadvertently embrace the label of a “Moderate Muslim” as if my mere existence and sincere practice of Islam were somehow inadequate. This label seemed the clearest way to distance my beliefs of peace from the distorted ideologies broadcasted across the television screens.

Yet, this journey towards moderation distorted the true essence of my faith and identity. In an effort to be perceived as moderate, I found myself downplaying the vibrancy of my beliefs, dimming the light of my devotion, and incessantly justifying my thoughts and actions. Striving for moderation, I navigated a path that demanded I showcase a watered-down version of my faith, ensuring it appeared non-threatening and constantly aligned with the world’s perception of a “secular” Muslim.

The relentless endeavor to fit into the mold of a “Moderate Muslim”—a label laden with implications that Islam, in its essence, is equated with violence—is not only exhausting but fundamentally incorrect. It perpetuates the damaging myth that Islam is inherently at odds with the norms of society, that being Muslim means being a potential threat, unless proven otherwise.

I reject this notion with every fiber of my being. I refuse to be constrained within the narrow confines of moderation, to imply that my faith harbors any intrinsic violence that needs to be tempered. The narrative that divides Muslims into “moderates” and presumed radicals is not only incorrect but dangerous, painting a grossly inaccurate picture of a faith that, at its heart, advocates for peace, compassion, and mutual respect.

The label of “Moderate Muslim” aims to otherize and diminish us, suggesting our place within society is conditional, that we must express gratitude for being allowed to practice a diluted form of our beliefs. But our faith cannot be compartmentalized, nor can our identities be defined by a term that undermines the depth of our tradition and the sincerity of our devotion.

I stand resolute in my rejection of the “Moderate Muslim” label. My faith is whole, vibrant, and intrinsically peaceful, not a diluted variant seeking external approval. I am a Muslim who lives his life with unshakeable faith, intertwined with the universal human values of love and justice. My identity, like that of every Muslim, defies the simplistic, predefined boxes. We are beings of complex dimensions, capable of profound spiritual commitment while engaging fully with the vast array of worldly experiences and pleasures.

The onus to dismantle stereotypes and address the myths surrounding Islam shouldn’t fall solely on its adherents. It is a shared responsibility to cultivate understanding and celebrate the diverse tapestry of human existence. As Muslims, we navigate this world with our identities intact, refusing to yield to labels that constrain and misrepresent us. Our faith, our practices, and our societal contributions are unequivocal and non-negotiable. We deserve respect and comprehension, not as “Moderate Muslims” but as individuals and communities living out the true, peaceful teachings of Islam.