Should young Muslims be recognisable as Muslims?

Yes, this is very important. A young Muslim should be recognisable as a Muslim by their conduct, their manner and the way they present themselves.

Many young people grow up in Muslim families, yet little of this can be seen in their appearance or their way of life. They follow entirely what is considered modern and desirable around them. This raises the question of whether a young Muslim should be recognisable as a Muslim at all.

The answer is a clear yes. A Muslim need not be ashamed of their faith or hide it. The first verse above calls the person best in speech who invites to God, does good and openly says that they have submitted to God. Faith and a visible life belong together.

Being recognisable means above all that one’s conduct speaks. Honesty, kindness, modesty in dress and in dealings with others, and a measured attitude to possessions and pleasure tell others more about Islam than any badge. The second verse above points to the excellent model of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). A young Muslim shapes their life by his example.

Such an identity also protects the young person. Whoever knows who they are is less easily carried along. And those around them come to know Islam not from headlines, but from a person they meet every day.