INVESTIGATING ISLAM

Identity Shock

How Muslim Immigrants Struggle Between Sharia and Secular Freedom

Subtitle: Navigating Faith, Culture, and Contradiction in a New Land

Introduction: A Clash of Worlds — Faith vs. Freedom

For many Muslim immigrants and refugees, settling in a secular state like New Zealand is not just a new beginning — it is a profound cultural and psychological shock. It is the experience of being caught between two worlds: the world of Sharia (Islamic law) that they grew up with, and the world of secular freedom that defines their new home.

This post explores this “identity shock” — the inner conflict that many Muslim immigrants face as they try to balance their Islamic faith with the secular values of a multicultural society. It is a story of faith, family, cultural survival, and constant contradiction.

1. The Core Conflict: Sharia vs. Secular Law

1. What Is Sharia?

Sharia is the divine law of Islam, derived from the Quran, Hadith (sayings of Muhammad), Ijma (consensus of scholars), and Qiyas (analogy).
It governs all aspects of life — including worship, morality, family law, criminal law, finance, and governance.
For many Muslims, Sharia is not just a religious guideline — it is the ideal system for society, seen as God’s perfect law.

2. What Is Secular Law?

Secular law is based on human reason, debate, and democratic decision-making.
It applies equally to all citizens, regardless of religion or belief.
Secular law protects individual freedom, including freedom of religion, freedom of speech, gender equality, and freedom of conscience.

3. Where the Conflict Begins

Sharia contains rules that directly contradict secular values:
- Apostasy (Leaving Islam): Sharia prescribes death, while secular law protects freedom of religion.
- Blasphemy: Sharia prescribes punishment for insulting Islam, while secular law protects free speech.
- Gender Roles: Sharia gives men greater authority in marriage, divorce, and inheritance, while secular law promotes gender equality.
- Punishments (Hudud): Sharia prescribes stoning, flogging, and amputation for certain crimes, while secular law forbids cruel and unusual punishment.

2. The Family Dilemma: Sharia at Home, Secular Law Outside

1. Marriage and Divorce: Two Systems, One Family

Many Muslim families try to maintain Sharia principles in their private lives:
- Marriage: Couples are married under Islamic law (Nikah), even if they are also legally married under secular law.
- Divorce: Muslim men can divorce through Talaq (verbal divorce), while women must seek divorce through the courts.
- Inheritance: Sharia mandates that male heirs receive twice the share of female heirs, which conflicts with secular inheritance laws.

2. Gender Roles: Tradition vs. Equality

Sharia requires modest dress for women (hijab, niqab, or burqa) as a sign of faith.
Secular societies promote personal freedom, including freedom of dress.
This creates tension, especially for young Muslim women who must navigate between religious expectations and social norms.

3. Raising Children: Competing Values

Parents may teach their children Islamic values — including the importance of prayer, fasting, modesty, and obedience.
But children are exposed to secular values at school, including gender equality, freedom of speech, and individualism.
This creates a generational divide:
- Parents: See Islam as a way of life that must be preserved.
- Children: See Islam as just one part of their identity, alongside their Kiwi identity.

3. The Educational Dilemma: Islamic Values in a Secular System

1. Islamic Schools: A Separate Educational System

Islamic schools like Al-Madinah School and Zayed College for Girls teach Islamic values alongside the New Zealand curriculum.
These schools emphasize Sharia principles, including:
- Gender Segregation: Separate classes for boys and girls.
- Religious Education: Quran, Hadith, and Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).
- Moral Instruction: Promoting modesty, obedience to parents, and the importance of Islamic identity.

2. Public Schools: Balancing Faith and Freedom

Muslim students in secular schools may request religious accommodations:
- Halal Meals: Ensuring food is permissible under Sharia.
- Prayer Spaces: Allowing students to pray during school hours.
- Religious Exemptions: Being excused from classes (like sex education) that conflict with Islamic teachings.
These accommodations create tension, as other students and parents may see them as special treatment.

4. The Public Dilemma: Faith vs. Free Expression

1. Free Speech vs. Blasphemy

In secular states, freedom of speech is a fundamental right — including the right to criticize religion.
But for many Muslims, insulting Islam is a serious offense, punishable under Sharia.
This conflict is at the heart of “Islamophobia” debates, where criticism of Islam is often labeled as hate speech.

2. Public Behavior: Modesty vs. Freedom

Muslim women are encouraged (or pressured) to wear the hijab, even in secular societies.
Public events (like Eid celebrations) are promoted as cultural festivals, but also serve as a way to normalize Islamic values.
Gender segregation may be requested for Islamic events in public spaces, creating tension with secular principles of equality.

5. The Political Dilemma: Representation or Religious Advocacy?

1. Muslim Politicians: Loyalty to Faith or Country?

Muslim politicians in secular countries often face a difficult choice:
- Do they represent their Muslim community, promoting Islamic values?
- Or do they support secular principles, representing all citizens equally?
In some cases, Muslim politicians openly advocate for Sharia principles, such as halal certification, Islamic finance, or recognition of Sharia family law.

2. The Rise of Gradualism (Stealth Jihad)

Gradualism is the strategy of introducing Sharia principles step by step, rather than all at once.
This can include promoting Islamic education, halal certification, Sharia-compliant finance, and recognition of Islamic family law.
Over time, these small changes can create a parallel Islamic system within a secular society.

Conclusion: An Identity Shock with No Easy Answers

For Muslim immigrants and refugees, settling in a secular state like New Zealand is not just a new beginning — it is a journey of constant contradiction. They are caught between two worlds: the Islamic values they grew up with and the secular freedoms of their new home.

Some adapt by embracing a personal, spiritual form of Islam that coexists with secular values. Others seek to maintain Sharia principles in their personal and family life, even if they live in a secular society. And for a few, the goal is not just to live in a secular state, but to gradually bring that state closer to Sharia.

This is the silent, often invisible struggle of Muslim immigrants — a struggle that shapes their lives, their families, and the future of the societies they join.