As Muslims, especially those living in non-Muslim majority countries, we are often faced with the question: “Are you British (or American) first, or are you Muslim first?” This is not only a misleading question, but it reflects a deeper societal issue—one that asks individuals to compartmentalise parts of themselves that should be inherently unified. As Muslims, our way of life is not merely a label, but a deep-rooted identity that defines who we are at the core.
Islam as an Innate Identity: The Concept of Fitra
Islam teaches that every human being is born with an innate recognition of Allah, known as fitra. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ، – يَعْنِي الدَّرَاوَرْدِيَّ – عَنِ الْعَلاَءِ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ “ كُلُّ إِنْسَانٍ تَلِدُهُ أُمُّهُ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ وَأَبَوَاهُ بَعْدُ يُهَوِّدَانِهِ وَيُنَصِّرَانِهِ وَيُمَجِّسَانِهِ فَإِنْ كَانَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ فَمُسْلِمٌ كُلُّ إِنْسَانٍ تَلِدُهُ أُمُّهُ يَلْكُزُهُ الشَّيْطَانُ فِي حِضْنَيْهِ إِلاَّ مَرْيَمَ وَابْنَهَا ” .
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: The mother of every person gives him birth according to his true nature. It is subsequently his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian. Had his parents been Muslim he would have also remained a Muslim. Every person to whom his mother gives birth (has two aspects of his life); when his mother gives birth Satan strikes him but it was not the case with Mary and her son (Jesus Christ).
Sahih Muslim 2659a
This hadith explains that Islam is the natural state of every person, and societal influences may lead individuals away from this natural disposition. In essence, we are all born Muslim, in the sense that we are born in submission to Allah’s will.
The world, with its distractions, challenges, and cultural pressures, can pull people away from this state of fitra. People may identify themselves with different religions, cultures, or philosophies, but the fitra—the natural inclination towards recognising and submitting to the Creator—remains at the core of who they are. Life’s journey is ultimately a struggle to return to this fitra, to rediscover our true purpose, which is to serve Allah.
Islam as a Way of Life and Identity
The question of whether we are “British first” or “Muslim first” is concerning because it suggests that Islam is just a part of our identity, something that can be compared with other affiliations, such as nationality. This reflects a misunderstanding of what it means to be a Muslim. Islam is not simply a belief system or a label; it is a complete way of life. Whether a person lives in Britain, America, or anywhere else, their deen (Islam, way of life) is their identity. This cannot be separated or compartmentalised—it is intrinsic to who they are.
Islam doesn’t demand that we deny our national identities, but it does remind us that our primary allegiance is always to Allah and His Messenger. Allah says in the Quran:
قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِى وَنُسُكِى وَمَحْيَاىَ وَمَمَاتِى لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ١٦٢
Say, “Surely my prayer, my sacrifice, my life, and my death are all for Allah—Lord of all worlds.
Al-An’am 6:162.
This verse emphasises that a Muslim’s life, in its entirety, is in service to Allah. When asked to choose between nation and religion, the answer is clear: Islam is not just a part of who we are—it is the core of our being.
Nations and Tribes: Diversity Within Unity
For Muslims who reflect deeply, it’s important to recognise that Islam acknowledges the division of humanity into nations and tribes. However, this division is not intended to create conflict or division, but rather to promote mutual understanding. Allah says in the Quran:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍۢ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًۭا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌۭ ١٣
O humanity! Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware.
Al-Hujurat 49:13
This verse highlights the balance Islam offers—acknowledging the diversity of human cultures while upholding the unity of the Muslim ummah (community). While Muslims belong to various national and ethnic backgrounds, what truly defines them is their faith and submission to Allah. National and cultural identities, while important for distinguishing between people, are secondary—they don’t define our ultimate purpose or allegiance.
Reverting to Islam: A Return to Fitra
Throughout life, some people may distance themselves from Islam due to external influences—whether from cultural pressures, secular values, or personal choices. The beauty of Islam lies in the fact that it always welcomes those who return or “revert” to their original state of fitra. This is why many converts to Islam refer to themselves as “reverts,” understanding that their conversion is actually a return to their natural state of submission to Allah.
For those who have strayed, Allah’s mercy is boundless. The Quran frequently reminds us that Allah is “Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” No matter how far one has wandered from the path, the opportunity to return to Allah is always there. This is the essence of fitra—an inner pull towards truth and righteousness, reminding us that despite life’s diversions, our souls know their true purpose.
۞ قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا۟ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا۟ مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ ٥٣
Say, ˹O Prophet, that Allah says,˺ “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against their souls! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy, for Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Az-Zumar, 39:53
Conclusion: The Unbreakable Bond
The question of whether one is “British first” or “Muslim first” should not even arise. Our identity as Muslims is fundamental and unchanging—it is the essence of who we are. Nationalities, cultures, and social labels are external and temporary, but our relationship with Allah is eternal. Muslims should embrace their Islamic identity fully, knowing that it transcends borders and labels. After all, we are all born in submission to Allah, and it is through His guidance that we can return to the path that was always intended for us.
