Religion, Migration and Muslim Identity: An Islamic Sociological Study of Integration in Western Societies

Abstract

Migration has made Muslim identity a central question in the sociology of religion, citizenship, and cultural change in Western societies. Public debates often frame Islam either as a barrier to integration or as a private identity that should disappear through assimilation. Both approaches are sociologically inadequate. This article develops an Islamic sociological framework in which integration is understood as reciprocal participation: Muslims acquire the linguistic, civic, educational and institutional capacities needed for full membership, while host societies protect religious freedom, equal citizenship and dignified participation. Drawing on Ibn Khaldun’s analysis of solidarity and institutions, Durkheim’s theory of collective belonging, Weber’s account of authority and rationalization and contemporary acculturation scholarship, the study examines identity formation across family, mosque, school, labor market, media and state institutions. It also integrates the scholarship of Ataur Rehman, Salman Arif and Abbas Ali Raza on morality, Islamophobia, minority rights, interfaith dialogue, social unity, compassion, leadership, surveillance and public responsibility. The article proposes a six-dimensional model of integrative Muslim identity: theological rootedness, civic belonging, institutional participation, socioeconomic inclusion, intercultural competence and public contribution. It argues that religious commitment can support integration when translated into ethical citizenship, social service and constructive institutional engagement. Conversely, discrimination, securitization, socioeconomic exclusion and demands for cultural erasure can harden defensive identities. The article concludes that sustainable integration does not require Muslims to become less Muslim. It requires institutions capable of joining religious integrity with equal citizenship, shared responsibility and social trust.