Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn
‘I also don’t think that enough is done to integrate and educate… immigrants, they need to integrate, as we have a different culture to others which we need to maintain.’[1] After reading this quotation during a history lecture recently, several thoughts crossed my mind. This quote was originally taken from a study done in 2004 about public attitudes and views about the importance of British country houses, in the context of British culture and national identity.
Although it has been many years since this specific study was done, the above comment that the interviewed member of the public made, is still very commonly and increasingly used. One would often hear it get used against the choices and public conduct of Muslim women in the West. An immediate example that comes to my mind is our choice to wear a veil or a hijab. But every time such a thing is said, it begs the question, what is social integration and most importantly, who gets to define it?
Sociologists have defined this concept in various ways, but at its simplest, social integration ‘refers to a situation where minority groups come together or are incorporated into mainstream society’ and it is a ‘process of largely agreeing on a shared system of meaning, language, culture, and the like.’ Furthermore, while acknowledging any differences, social integration helps society to ‘agree to live together’ and ‘refuse conflict in society.’ [2]
There is nothing about this definition that contradicts or challenges the teachings of Islam. If anything, it echoes them.
In Chapter 3, Verse 111 of the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty mentions the importance of doing good for all mankind:
‘You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah…’
In one narration, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) reportedly said that: ‘Love for one’s country is part of faith.’ [3]
Essentially, being a loyal citizen of one’s country, accessing education and pursuing a career that helps the progress of society and one’s nation, working towards peace, the greater good, and developing cohesion between communities, are all values that Islam promotes. Living in a democratic society is certainly a privilege because it allows everyone to maintain their true identity while integrating in the wider community. For a healthy and prosperous nation, this is important. To Muslim women, our identity as a citizen of a nation is just as cherished as us being Muslim. The democratic and free society we live in helps us maintain that balance between the two and in no way does this challenge our ability to socially integrate with the wider society.
His Holiness, the fifth Caliph and current worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper), stated in an address at this year’s annual gathering of the ladies auxiliary, Lajna Imaillah UK, that we must:
‘…Strive to be a good citizen and, to achieve this, you must utilise your capabilities, faculties and skills for the benefit of others and play your role in building a better and more harmonious society.’
Speaking on the concept of integration, His Holiness (May Allah be his Helper) added:
‘You should seek to integrate but, as I have said in the past, integrating and contributing to your country does not require you to violate your moral compass and forsake your religious values. Rather, the way to successfully integrate into Western nations is to contribute to the success of the nation, whilst maintaining your religious identity. Indeed, this should be the hallmark and distinguishing feature of Ahmadi Muslims living in the West. Sacrificing your moral standards and values is not going to help your country in any way.’ [4]
Social integration can happen even if there are differences. The whole purpose of this development is that it allows communities and individuals to thrive in an environment where differences can be respected, and shared values can be cherished. Integration in society cannot be achieved at the expense of restricting religious and personal freedom of choice. In fact, the two are very much necessary for it to be effective and fruitful.
References
[1] Laura Jane Smith, Uses of Heritage (Routledge, 2006), p. 150.
[2]https://study.com/academy/lesson/social-integration-definition-theory.html
[3]Sakhavi
Voice of British Muslim Women 
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