A Multicultural Critique of Muslim Diaspora in Mirza’sA Place for Us

Abstract

This research paper focuses on the 1stand 2nd generations of Muslim diaspora in post 9/11 multicultural setting—America— to identify the challenges they face in the process of identity formation and consciousness development in Fatima Farheen Mirza’s A Place for Us. Mirza problematizes the ruptured and acculturating identities of Indian Muslim immigrants to highlight streaks of identitarian doubleness in modern-day America. The study explores the experiential reality of diaspora characters and their struggle to survive between two conflicting worldviews: the old world (Indigenous/Muslim culture) and the new world (American culture). The adoption of multicultural ethics and the adaptation into transnational codes help them navigate through multilocal adjustment spots for the re-spatialization of their consciousness. The study incorporates selected theoretical underpinnings of Steven Vertovecon multiculturalism__ Muslim diasporic identity, universalism VS localization, compartmentalization, concept of ummah, multi-locality, self-questioning, self-awareness, and super-diversity__ to examine the ideological tensions and the economic patterns that promote concept of ‘ijtihad’ in the immigrants for adjustment and survival in the reception society. Furthermore, the study also pinpoints the connections Muslim diaspora create between ‘local’ and ‘universal’ Islam to keep their geographical and religious identity diverse in a pluralist society.