Ibnul Waqt: Construction of Cultural Identity

Abstract

Identity is a construction, which is articulated in cultural process and daily social interaction. Literature presents and takes part in this process. In the novel different techniques of characterization are used in determining the identity of characters. It is usually determined in a binary opposition. It is fluid in nature and always seeks an "other" to achieve a shape. In this article the multi-faceted Muslim identity formation in Nazir Ahmad's IbnulWaqt is underscored. It is argued that the essentiality of identity is blurred in daily social interaction. While painting a character, novelist used oppositional vis-à-vis common qualities of other characters to shape its identity.

Keywords

• identity
• constructionism
• colonialism
• nazir ahmad
• communalism
• ashraf
• ajlaf