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The Synthesised Identity of Tamil Muslims
For Tamil Muslims, Tamil is not just a language but a vital cultural framework that shapes our identity, infusing our Islamic faith with the values and ethical teachings of our Tamil heritage.
Introduction
My first alphabets were அ (pronounced ‘Aah’ in Tamil), ا (‘Alif’ in Arabic), and ‘A’ in English. These three letters symbolise more than just languages; they represent the intersection of cultural and religious teachings that have shaped my identity. For many Tamils, learning the Aathichudi forms a core part of early development, alongside Islamic teachings about the way of life. The Aathichudi is a collection of 109 alphabetically arranged aphorisms imparting profound wisdom to cultivate good habits, discipline, and virtuous actions. The first maxim of the Aathichudi that Tamils around the world learn in their mother tongue is அறம் செய விரும்பு (transliterated as Aram seiyya virumbu), which translates to “Have Desire to Do Good Deeds.”
This maxim is a guiding principle, promoting a life of righteousness and moral integrity for Tamils. The idea of striving for goodness, as emphasised in Tamil culture, aligns with the Quranic concept of following Sirat al-Mustaqeem—Allah’s straight path. As Tamil Muslims begin to memorise the first chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha, they are introduced to the concept of a path towards God that calls for adherence to truth, justice, and ethical living. The seamless integration of these teachings from Tamil culture and the Islamic faith has profoundly influenced the pluralistic identity of Tamil Muslims.
In this essay, I reflect on the unique synthesis of philosophical and ethical principles within Tamil culture and the Islamic faith; a distinctive aspect of the Tamil Muslim community that often goes unnoticed as our identity weaves into the broader fabric of the global Ummah, the collective Muslim identity.
The Role of Tamil Language in Tamil Muslim Identity
As the renowned linguist and cultural theorist Ngugi wa Thiong’o notes, “Language, any language, has a dual character: it is both a means of communication and a carrier of culture.” For Tamil Muslims, Tamil is not just a language but a vital cultural framework that shapes our identity, infusing our Islamic faith with the values and ethical teachings of our Tamil heritage. This dual influence creates a distinctive identity that is deeply rooted in Tamil culture while being harmoniously aligned with the universal principles of Islam, highlighting the pluralistic nature central to the Tamil Muslim experience.
The daily use of Tamil among Tamil Muslims—from reciting classical proverbs to translating religious texts—reflects a seamless integration of language and faith. This linguistic and literary heritage provides a unique lens through which Tamil Muslims interpret and practice their Islamic beliefs, with the Tamil language acting as a bridge that connects the teachings of Islam with the cultural wisdom embedded in Tamil literature, thereby enriching their spiritual and moral lives.
Tamil is more than a mere tool for communication; it embodies a cultural heritage deeply intertwined with the sense of self and community for Tamil Muslims. Literary works such as the Thirukkural and Aathichudi not only offer moral guidance but also form the bedrock of our cultural identity, profoundly shaping our worldview and ethical practices. This perspective aligns with scholars like Edward Said, who emphasised that “language is not merely a means of communication but a medium that shapes and is shaped by cultural and social practices.” For Tamil Muslims, our mother tongue, Tamil, is a foundational element of our identity, intertwining cultural heritage with religious beliefs and creating a rich, pluralistic identity that draws strength from both traditions.
The Synthesis of Tamil Proverbs with Islamic Values
Tamil proverbs have long been instrumental in shaping the moral framework of Tamil communities, encapsulating the collective wisdom and cultural values passed down through generations. Historical texts such as the Thirukkural (திருக்குறள்), attributed to the ancient philosopher Thiruvalluvar, and the Aathichudi (ஆத்திச்சூடி), attributed to the poet-sage Avvaiyar, serve as prominent examples of how Tamil literature has provided guidance for centuries. The Thirukkural, composed over 2,000 years ago, is revered for its teachings that transcend religious boundaries, while the Aathichudi remains integral to Tamil education, emphasising virtues through concise and memorable aphorisms. This historical foundation illustrates that the values embedded within Tamil proverbs predate the advent of Islam, yet they resonate deeply with the moral teachings of the Islamic faith.
The interaction between Tamil proverbs and Islamic teachings is not merely one of coexistence but of active complementarity, resulting in a cohesive moral code. The principles articulated in the Aathichudi and the Thirukkural are reinforced by the guidance provided by the Quran and Hadith, demonstrating a harmonious alignment between Tamil heritage and Islamic values.
For instance, the Thirukkural emphasises humility and selflessness, as illustrated in Thirukkural no. 72 (அன்பிலார் எல்லாம் தமக்குரியர் அன்புடையார் என்பும் உரியர் பிறர்க்கு), which translates to, “Those who are destitute of love appropriate all they have to themselves; but those who possess love consider even their bones to belong to others.” This concept mirrors Islamic values of love, altruism, and concern for the welfare of others. The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) teaching that “The merciful are shown mercy by The Merciful” (Hadith Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1924) further underscores the shared moral foundation between these traditions, highlighting their mutual emphasis on love and selflessness.
The dual identity cultivated by Tamil Muslims through the integration of Tamil proverbs and Islamic teachings forms an ethical framework that represents a deeper understanding of Islam as a comprehensive way of life. For example, Thiruvalluvar’s advice to avoid harsh words when sweet words are available (ஒன்றாக நல்லது கொல்லாமை மற்றதன் பின்சாரப் பொய்யாமை நன்ற – Thirukkural 323) complements the Quranic instruction found in verse 83 of Chapter 2 (Surah Al-Baqara), “be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy; speak kindly to people…” Such synthesis enriches the depth of Islamic practice, transforming it into not merely a religion of rituals but a broader, more inclusive way of life that values wisdom, justice, and compassion, drawing from all sources that contribute to the Tamil Muslim identity.
In this way, it could be said that Tamil proverbs significantly broaden the moral compass within Islam. For instance, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah 224). This aligns with the Aathichudi’s teaching that whatever one has learned is a mere handful, while what one has yet to learn is as vast as the world (கற்றது கைமண் அளவு, கல்லாதது உலகளவு). This emphasises the boundless nature of knowledge and the importance of continuous learning, suggesting that no matter how much one has learned, there is always more to discover. This humility is also at the core of Islamic belief, where God is recognized as the All-Knower.
Many more examples illustrate how Tamil proverbs can be synthesised with Islamic teachings and practised in various aspects of daily life. Tamil Muslims have historically used Tamil proverbs as part of their discourse, creating a seamless integration of these values with their religious beliefs. Although the use of Tamil as a lingua franca has declined, this dual identity remains a vibrant aspect of Tamil Muslim culture.
Pluralistic Nature of Tamil Muslim Identity
The pluralistic nature embedded in the identity of Tamil Muslims is profoundly reflected in our engagement with the Thirukkural and Aathichudi. Although these texts are rooted in Hindu tradition due to their cultural origins, their universal teachings resonate across diverse religious backgrounds, including Islam. The principles of Dharma, which transcend the confines of Hinduism, provide a broader philosophical framework that promotes righteous living and ethical behaviour, much like the Islamic concept of deen.
For Tamil Muslims, this intersection of cultural and religious teachings exemplifies the harmonious blending of diverse influences in our identity. The ethical teachings of Tamil literature, traditionally associated with Dharma in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, are embraced alongside Islamic principles, reflecting a unique synthesis that is both pluralistic and deeply rooted in our heritage. In Islam, the concept of deen refers to a comprehensive way of life that includes moral and ethical dimensions in everyday actions, mirroring the values found in Tamil literature.
This pluralistic identity allows Tamil Muslims to navigate and integrate the teachings of both our Islamic faith and our Tamil cultural heritage, fostering a way of life that upholds universal values of justice, compassion, and righteousness. It illustrates how the cultural and religious diversity of Tamil Muslims enriches our worldview, enabling us to draw upon multiple sources of wisdom to guide our lives in a manner that is both inclusive and holistic.
However, this pluralistic identity has not been without its challenges. During the 19th and 20th centuries, there was significant resistance within some segments of the Tamil Muslim community, driven by fears that this cultural and religious synthesis might compromise core religious values. This period saw a shift towards a more absolutist, puritan form of Islam, as some believed that leaning too heavily on Tamil cultural elements could dilute the purity of Islamic teachings. The tension between maintaining a pluralistic identity and adhering to a more rigid religious orthodoxy reflects broader global trends within Islamic communities during this time.
Despite these pressures, Tamil Muslims have largely succeeded in preserving a balanced identity that honours both their Tamil cultural heritage and Islamic faith. By harmoniously blending the ethical teachings of Tamil literature, which are historically rooted in the Dharmic traditions, with the universal principles of Islam, Tamil Muslims have cultivated a distinct identity that is both deeply rooted in our cultural past and expansively aligned with a global religious ethos.
Conclusion
The identity of Tamil Muslims exemplifies a sophisticated model of cultural and religious syncretism, where the interplay between Tamil literary traditions and Islamic principles has produced a unique and multifaceted identity. This dual influence demonstrates how cultural heritage and religious doctrine can coexist not merely in parallel but in a deeply integrated manner, enriching both individual and communal lives.
This pluralistic identity positions Tamil Muslims as intellectual and cultural mediators who can facilitate interfaith dialogue and understanding, particularly between the Dharmic religions and Islam. Our ability to draw upon shared values across these traditions offers a powerful framework for fostering mutual respect, cooperation, and peace in a world increasingly in need of such bridges. As such, the Tamil Muslim experience not only enriches our own community but also contributes to broader discussions on the possibilities and benefits of a pluralistic, interconnected society, while also demonstrating the resilience of a community that has navigated the complexities of religious and cultural integration.
Nazhath Faheema
Nazhath Faheema is engaged in works that advance interfaith dialogue, charity & volunteerism, youth leadership and social impact, all of which contribute towards sustainable social harmony. Currently, she serves full-time at 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (HIA) as the 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.