Why do some people feel a lack of identity?

Responding to the question of why some people feel a lack of identity, from the perspective of the Holy Quran, is a profound and thought-provoking endeavor. While the term "lack of identity" in its modern psychological sense may not appear directly in the Quran, its teachings profoundly address the roots and remedies of this feeling. The Quran posits that humans are purposeful beings, created for a specific, noble end. Whenever an individual deviates from this primary objective, they may experience confusion, emptiness, and ultimately, a sense of aimlessness or lack of identity. This feeling of being lost stems from several roots, all of which are addressed in the Quran, and understanding these roots is key to finding an authentic and stable identity. 1. Forgetting the Purpose of Creation and Human Status: The Holy Quran clearly states that humanity was created for a sublime purpose. In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 56, Allah declares: "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." This worship is not merely confined to ritualistic acts but encompasses living one's life in alignment with divine will and commandments; that is, being obedient and a servant in all aspects of life. Humans are introduced in the Quran as "Khalifa Allah" (vicegerents of God) on Earth (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 30), entrusted with the responsibility of cultivating the land, establishing justice, and upholding divine values. When an individual forgets or neglects this fundamental purpose—which is servitude to God and divine vicegerency—their life loses meaning, and they lack a solid anchor for their identity. This forgetfulness leaves humanity adrift in the ocean of existence without a clear destination, fostering a sense of rootlessness and a profound lack of identity. By nature, humans seek meaning, and if they fail to find this meaning in their connection with the Creator and their divine mission, they will search for it in temporary and unstable worldly affairs, leading only to emptiness, despair, and identity confusion. The true human identity is rooted in this eternal connection, and separation from it means losing the deepest layers of the self. 2. Drifting Away from Fitra (Innate Disposition): The Quran emphasizes humanity's innate disposition, or Fitra. In Surah Ar-Rum, verse 30, it states: "So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know." Fitra represents the pure, unadulterated inclination of the human soul towards truth, monotheism, good morals, and perfection. When individuals deviate from this pure innate nature due to external influences such as misguided upbringing, corrupt environments, satanic whispers, or carnal desires, they experience inner contradiction and conflict. This discord between what their deepest being yearns for and what they engage in daily leads to confusion and a failure to truly know themselves, thereby intensifying the feeling of a lack of identity. It is as if one is swimming against the current; no matter how much effort they exert, they cannot find peace or clarity. This continuous internal struggle drains significant psychological energy and prevents individuals from discovering and nurturing their true identity. Disregarding the call of Fitra alienates individuals from their true selves and sends them in pursuit of false, external identities that never bring lasting satisfaction. 3. Heedlessness of God's Remembrance and Worldly Attachment: The Quran repeatedly speaks of "Dhikr Allah" (remembrance of God) and warns against "Ghafla" (heedlessness). In Surah Taha, verse 124, it is mentioned: "And whoever turns away from My remembrance - indeed, he will have a difficult life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind." The remembrance of God not only brings tranquility to the heart but also grants insight, enabling individuals to understand their place in existence and distinguish true, lasting values from superficial, fleeting ones. When people become engrossed in worldly affairs, making the acquisition of wealth, status, or fame their sole preoccupation, they construct their identity upon these unstable criteria. Upon losing any of these or even achieving them without finding satisfaction, a sense of emptiness and lack of identity emerges. An identity based on worldly matters is fragile and vulnerable, susceptible to crumbling with every passing storm and easily lost. However, an identity built upon the remembrance of God, faith, and righteous deeds is steadfast and resilient, remaining firm amidst life's adversities and granting a sense of stability and permanence. 4. Lack of Deep Contemplation and Reflection on Divine Signs and Oneself: The Quran invites humanity to deep contemplation (Tafakkur) and reflection (Tadabbur) on divine signs, both in the universe (afaq) and within themselves (anfus). Neglecting this invitation and failing to engage in self-knowledge and existential understanding prevents individuals from grasping their profound essence and their place in the universe. When one does not look within or delve into the complexities of their own being, they cannot identify their talents, strengths, weaknesses, or the correct path for their growth. This self-ignorance gradually leads to a sense of rootlessness and a lack of identity. To find one's identity, a person needs to ponder the purpose of their existence and their connection to the Origin and the Return. Neglecting these reflections transforms individuals into superficial beings whose identity is derived from blind imitation of others or from what society dictates; such an identity is not authentic and cannot bring inner contentment. Deep thinking and contemplation guide individuals to the knowledge of their true and authentic self, giving them a profound understanding of the meaning and purpose of life. 5. Failure to Fulfill Social Roles and Isolation from a Righteous Community: The Quran emphasizes the importance of community and the individual's role within it. Humans are social beings, and a part of their identity is tied to their interactions and positive contributions to society. Withdrawal from community, isolation, or a failure to participate in good and constructive endeavors can lead to feelings of worthlessness and meaninglessness. While the Quran stresses individuality and personal responsibility, it also highlights the significance of the "Ummah" (community) and cooperation in good deeds. Joining a righteous community and engaging in beneficial actions for others instills a sense of belonging, usefulness, and self-worth, all crucial components of a healthy identity. The absence of this belonging and participation can leave an individual in a social vacuum that contributes to their sense of identitylessness. Quranic Solutions for Overcoming Lack of Identity: The Quran offers comprehensive solutions for achieving a strong and meaningful identity: returning to God and understanding Tawhid, acting upon divine commands, constant remembrance of God, contemplation and reflection on divine signs and one's own being, joining a righteous community and playing a constructive role within it, and patience and steadfastness in the face of difficulties and tests. By following this path, individuals can emerge from a state of confusion and lack of identity, achieving a clear, firm, and meaningful identity rooted in the truth of existence. This identity grants peace, purpose, and true contentment, placing them on a path of growth and elevation.