Why Do Young Muslims Tend to Be Apathetic Toward Islamic Politics?

 

Why Do Young Muslims Tend to Be Apathetic Toward Islamic Politics?

Muslim youth engrossed in phone under neon lights, faded Political Islam banner and distant mosque in background, moody night scene.


Introduction

As a writer trying to remain neutral, I often wonder: why, amid the increasing discourse about the revival of political Islam, do so many young Muslims seem indifferent or even apathetic? This isn’t an empty claim. Many surveys and academic discussions show that Muslim youth often display low interest in Islamic political movements (Pew Research Center, 2019).

For me, this is a crucial question. Because when we talk about the future of Islamic civilization, the main key is its youth. Without them, any rhetoric about the revival of political Islam remains elite jargon.

Past: When Islamic Politics Inspired Youth

Looking back, in the post-colonial era, many Islamic political movements were actually driven by the youth. Take the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, the Iranian student activists before the 1979 Revolution, or the Palestinian resistance movements (Kepel, Jihad: The Trail of Political Islam, 2002).

At that time, political Islam was a symbol of resistance, identity, and pride. For young people, Islamic politics was not only an ideology but also a vehicle for fighting corrupt regimes or foreign domination.

Disillusionment with Reality

In my opinion, one factor why today’s Muslim youth tend to be apathetic is disillusionment with the reality of political Islam itself. Many parties or movements that claim to uphold Islam have been corrupt, pragmatic, or failed to bring meaningful change (Roy, The Failure of Political Islam, 1994).

I have personally spoken with several Muslim students. Many of them feel “fed up” with religious elites who use Islam as a political commodity but show little integrity. This disappointment accumulates and turns into cynicism.

The Digital Generation: Hybrid Identities

Today’s Muslim youth also live in a digital, global, and open era. Their identities are often mixed between local values, religion, and global trends (Roy, Globalized Islam, 2004).

For many young people, religion still matters spiritually. But when religion enters the political sphere, they see it as complicated, conflict-ridden, and often far from Islam’s pure values. That’s why they prefer to do good through social projects, startups, or communities rather than get caught up in sectarian politics.

Islamic Politics vs Individual Freedom

Another point I think we should critique is that Islamic politics is often synonymous with strict rules, symbols of public morality, and sometimes threatens individual freedom (Esposito & Voll, Islam and Democracy, 1996).

For a generation raised with the values of freedom of expression, personal space, and individual rights, the rigid approach of Islamic politics often feels suffocating. As a result, the emotional distance widens.

The Influence of Global Narratives

Western media narratives also play a role. Since the “war on terror” era, the label of Islamic politics has often been linked to radicalism or extremism (Said, Covering Islam, 1981). The young generation, active on social media, is exposed to this narrative daily.

I see this propaganda shaping the mindset of many young people. They worry about being labeled fanatics just for showing interest in political Sharia ideas, for example. To stay safe, many choose to stay away.

Apathetic or Realistic?

I don’t want to quickly label them simply apathetic. I prefer to call them realistic. Today’s Muslim youth are more rational. They want practical change, not just ideological slogans.

For instance, many prefer to dive into social movements, philanthropy, or technology to deliver real benefits (Esposito, The Future of Islam, 2010). This is how they “do politics,” even if it’s outside formal Islamic politics.

Middle Way: Adaptive Islamic Politics

A big question for me: can Islamic politics adapt? I think it can. But the requirement is that it must be more transformative, transparent, and close to youth issues: technology, social justice, gender inclusion, and freedom of thought (Sardar, Reading the Qur'an, 2011).

If it refuses to listen to young aspirations, Islamic politics will remain a relic of the past never relevant for the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I personally believe that young Muslims’ apathy toward Islamic politics is not the end of everything. Instead, it’s a challenge. If it wants to survive, Islamic politics must change: not just as a symbol but as a real solution.

If not, young people will keep finding their own paths outside formal politics. Perhaps, this is where new hope will emerge: Islam remains alive, even if not always on the party stage.

Lokasi: GWG8+27 Blodgett Mills, NY, Amerika Serikat

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