Most Muslims do not 'choose' Islam in the way that they choose to

Opening Scene

The room is softly lit, the warm glow of a table lamp casting calming shadows across the walls as evening settles in. Outside, the city’s hum fades into quiet as the night unfolds. Jack sits at the table, a book in his hands, while Jeeny stands by the window, gazing out at the view below. The atmosphere is reflective, as though a deeper conversation is about to unfold.

Host: After a few moments of silence, Jeeny turns from the window, her voice thoughtful but steady, breaking the quiet.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote by Mohsin Hamid that really made me think. He said, ‘Most Muslims do not ‘choose’ Islam in the way that they choose to become doctors or lawyers, nor even in the way that they choose to become fans of Coldplay or Radiohead. Most Muslims, like people of any faith, are born into their religion.’ It made me reflect on the nature of faith and how it’s something that’s often inherited rather than chosen. What do you think about that — how faith is not always a conscious decision, but something we’re born into?”

Jack: “That’s such an interesting perspective. What Hamid is pointing out is that faith is often not something we actively choose, at least not in the same way we might choose a career or a hobby. It’s something we inherit, whether it’s the culture, the religion, or the values that come with our family. It’s a part of our identity that’s largely shaped by where and how we’re raised. And I think that’s something we don’t always stop to consider when we talk about belief systems. We assume that everyone has the same freedom to choose their faith, but for many people, it’s a part of who they are from the very start.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. And I think it challenges the way we often think about religion. In many discussions, people act as though belief is something you decide to adopt, like a preference or a choice. But for so many, faith is tied to heritage and culture. It’s a foundation you’re given, not something you necessarily pick out of personal desire. Your religion, your belief system, often becomes a part of you from the moment you’re born. It’s like a legacy, passed down from generation to generation.”

Jack: “Right, and I think that’s why faith can feel so ingrained for some people. It’s not just a belief in something; it’s part of the fabric of their identity. It shapes the way they see the world, the values they hold dear, the way they interact with others. And when faith is inherited, it’s sometimes harder to question or to see from another perspective because it’s so deeply embedded in your life and upbringing. It’s hard to separate the personal from the cultural and the inherited.”

Host: The conversation deepens, as Jack and Jeeny reflect on the complexity of inherited faith. Jack puts his book aside, his expression thoughtful, while Jeeny sits down across from him, her voice steady as she continues.

Jeeny: “And it’s interesting because that means religion isn’t just about belief in the abstract, it’s also tied to family, culture, and community. It’s about shared practices, shared rituals, and shared values that shape not only the way you view the world, but the way you interact with those around you. It’s a bond that’s formed through shared experience and upbringing, which makes it different from other kinds of decisions, like picking a career. Religion is woven into the tapestry of your life.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s not just something you do; it’s something you are. And I think that’s what makes conversations about faith so complex, because people often approach religion as if it’s an individual decision, but it’s so much more than that. It’s deeply connected to identity, to community, and to tradition. It’s about belonging to something larger than yourself, something that connects you to generations before you.”

Jeeny: “Right. And I think that’s why it’s important to approach discussions about faith with empathy and understanding. We don’t always have the same perspective, but we all carry with us our own stories, our own inherited beliefs, and those shape the way we view the world. It’s easy to forget that when we talk about faith or religion, we’re often talking about something much more complex than just beliefs — we’re talking about heritage, community, and identity.”

Jack: “Exactly. And I think understanding this perspective can help us be more compassionate when we talk about people’s faiths, especially when they’re different from our own. We may not have the same inherited beliefs, but we all carry with us the influences of how we were raised and the communities we belong to. It’s important to recognize that and approach conversations about faith with openness and respect.”

Host: The room feels quieter now, as though the weight of their reflections has settled between them. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, Jack and Jeeny share a deeper understanding: faith, especially when it’s inherited, shapes not just belief but identity, culture, and connection. It’s an integral part of who we are, passed down through generations, and it influences the way we see the world and relate to others.

Jeeny: “So, maybe the lesson here is that faith is not just about individual choice; it’s about the heritage, community, and identity that come with it. It’s a bond that ties us to something larger than ourselves, something passed down from the people who came before us.”

Jack: “Exactly. It’s about understanding that religion is more than just a set of beliefs — it’s part of who we are, where we come from, and how we connect with others. And when we talk about faith, we should remember that it’s about community, culture, and identity, not just individual decisions.”

Host: As the evening continues, the conversation wraps up with a quiet understanding. Faith, especially when it is inherited, is deeply connected to culture, community, and identity. It shapes the way we see the world and the values we carry with us. By recognizing this, we can approach conversations about religion and belief with greater empathy, understanding that faith is not simply a choice, but a shared legacy passed down through generations.