‘The Anatomy of Belief {Reflections Redeemed}
The Multifaceted Dimensions of Belief
Belief has many dimensions. Everyone believes in something—even if that belief is in nothing. Belief dictates people’s convictions and actions. The issue arises when belief becomes a threat or an accusation rather than a personal anchor.
In this article, I address the notion of belief and some of the elements that constitute a belief system. I refer to Islamic interpretations and use Islamic belief as an example. This discussion may be argumentative or controversial, but it reflects the core questions this article seeks to explore.
The Core of Belief Systems
There is often a central idea around which belief revolves. Every conviction has a core—a pivot point from which meaning is derived. Surrounding this core are various interpretations, practices, and supporting ideas that together constitute a belief system.
In Islam, this core is surrender: the state of mind that Allah is the only God and that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is His messenger. This belief requires conviction—surrendering to the will of Allah regardless of circumstances—followed by adherence to a set of rules and regulations outlined in the Qur’an (the holy book of Islam) and the Sunnah (the complementary set of principles based on the Prophet’s teachings).
Up to this point, the belief appears simple and accessible. Similar structures exist in other religions, philosophies, and doctrines.
Interpretation and Fragmentation Within Religion
However, when examining religion—Islam in this case—multiple inclinations toward specific rules emerge. These inclinations are shaped by personal, political, social, and cultural reasons. Disputes over interpretation arise, and sects form within the same religion, sometimes negating one another.
Thus, even a belief system that appears straightforward can take on many faces, depending on who applies it, interprets it, or manipulates it.
Geographic Context and Personal Interpretation
One cannot ignore the impact of geography on the adoption and interpretation of religion. Differences between East and West are particularly noticeable. There is no single rule: some people abandon religion when they move abroad, others convert, and some become more religious—sometimes even re-engaging with religion through science and philosophy.
What matters here is personal interpretation shaped by geographic, political, and social contexts. Individual experiences in different environments contribute significantly to personal transformation and belief adoption.
Politicized Religion and the Absence of the State
In many developing countries—particularly in the East—there are ongoing calls and media narratives emphasizing state law enforcement and governance. Yet lived reality often reveals fragile legal systems and limited security. While laws, courts, and judicial bodies exist, they may function inconsistently or inadequately, as noted in international monitoring reports.
As a result, social and cultural norms—often mixed with selective religious interpretations—become the primary sources of rules and judgments. People emphasize aspects of religion that are socially or politically convenient while avoiding others that challenge authority or capability.
One common example is the focus on women’s dress. While modest dress has a basis in religion, coercion is frequently justified through politicized interpretations of faith. Harassment or assault may be framed as religious enforcement rather than legal violation. In such contexts, social, cultural, and religious verdicts replace legal accountability.
Iran’s enforcement of women’s dress codes is one clear example. In Egypt, there might be discrimination against both covered women and women with revealing wear depending on the social context that includes class, political status, religious background for example. While injustice exists everywhere, developed countries at least maintain legal systems that most people must abide by, despite imperfections. In environments where law is weak or absent, public religiosity can become a form of protection, social integration, or survival—often fostering hypocrisy, as discussed in your earlier article.
Conflict, War, and the Weaponization of Belief
In countries affected by war and prolonged conflict, people endure severe trauma. In such circumstances, belief can become a lifeline. For many, surrender to belief—central to Islam—provides meaning, endurance, and psychological survival.
Survivors often testify that belief kept them sane when reality exceeded imagination. In these cases, belief becomes a weapon—not of violence, but of resilience. People cling tightly to faith, even while grieving.
This phenomenon has been observed in places such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gaza, and Sudan, where belief has played a central role in collective and individual survival.
Western Integration Policies and Faith
People living abroad may face racism, discrimination, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. Politicized integration policies often frame religion as an obstacle rather than a component of identity. Such experiences can either strengthen faith or destabilize belief systems.
For many, adherence to religion becomes a defensive mechanism against discrimination—a way to reclaim dignity and agency. Belief is once again weaponized, this time against marginalization.
A recurring question arises: if countries are unwilling to accept religious diversity, why allow immigration in the first place? Immigrants often arrive to fill labor, skill, or demographic gaps, yet later become framed as a problem rather than a solution. In these narratives, religion—not people—becomes the perceived threat. Integration policies may then focus on stripping religious identity as a political strategy.
Belief Between the Personal and the Political
Belief, faith, and religion differ from one person to another, from one region to another, and from one time to another. They exist at the intersection of personality, time, and space. People express religion based on their understanding, as well as their compliance with or resistance to surrounding environments.
This explains the recurring reminder—often echoed by social media influencers—that judgment is not one’s role, even though judgment constantly occurs. Religion is deeply personal, yet it can be manipulated, adapted, misunderstood, or weaponized. It has the power to influence individuals, societies, and entire regions.
This is why belief can be both profoundly personal and intensely political.
So, what is belief, faith, or religion—for you?
References
The Qur’an
Esposito, John L. Islam: The Straight Path. Oxford University Press, 2016.
Berger, Peter L. The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion. Anchor Books, 1990.
Durkheim, Émile. The Elementary Forms of Religious Life. Free Press, 1995.
Pew Research Center. Reports on religion, migration, and integration.
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