In a world where we often live between who we truly are and the image we project, we find many contradictions. Mr A, for example, doesn’t pray. Mrs B doesn’t wear the hijab, nor does she know what is meant by “The Prophet said.” Yet they both bear Muslim names.

A Muslim is best recognized not by name, but by practice. Indeed, a name alone is not sufficient to determine whether someone is a Muslim. On campus, we meet people and interact with them for a long time before we even realize they bear Muslim names.

We all came into this world through different backgrounds. Yet, the Prophet ﷺ said in an authentic hadith:
“Every child is born upon the fitrah (natural disposition toward Islam), but his parents make him a Jew, a Christian, or a Magian.”
This means that regardless of the religion of one’s parents, every child is born in a state of natural submission to Allah. However, children often grow up following the footsteps of their parents—except for a few. Most people continue on this path until they gain admission into the university.

In the university environment, your company plays a major role in shaping who you become. The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“A man is upon the religion of his close friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.”
Your beliefs, behavior, and mindset are influenced by those closest to you. This aligns with the popular English proverb: “Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.”
Surrounding yourself with people who do not fear Allah contributes significantly to spiritual decline. Not fearing Allah encompasses all acts that go against His commandments.

Furthermore, the quest for worldly possessions and the urge to follow trends have led many students to compromise their religion. The desire to blend into campus culture and avoid being labeled as “too religious” slowly chips away at one’s Islamic identity—until there is almost nothing left to hold on to.

Where is the fear of Allah in our hearts?
Where is the fear of accountability on the Day of Judgment?

Many students begin their university journey with good intentions, but soon find themselves in circles where salah (prayer) is mocked, the hijab is seen as a burden, and the Qur’an is reduced to a mere ornament on a shelf, rather than a guide for life. Bit by bit, the identity fades—until all that remains is the name.

But if you find yourself in this position, know that it is never too late to return. Surround yourself with people who remind you of Allah. Join Islamic circles on campus. Pick up the Qur’an, even if it is just a few verses a day. You do not have to be perfect to return. You just have to turn sincerely.

And if you are someone who is already practising, do not look down on those who are not. Instead, become a source of gentle da’wah. Be the friend who reminds—not the one who judges.

Being a Muslim by name is not enough. On the Day of Judgment, names will not save us. Actions will. Let us not lose ourselves to trends, peer pressure, and forgetfulness. Let us revive our Islam in prayer, in dress, in speech, and most importantly, in our hearts.

“Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain steadfast—the angels will descend upon them, saying, ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’”
(Qur’an 41:30)