IMPACTS OF THE NEGATIVE RELIGIOUS IDENTITIES ON A SOCIETY IN THE PRISONER BY HAMID

Abstract

This Study critically analyzes the work of a negative religious identity in the book The Prisoner by Omar Shahid Hamid (2013), in this case, the portrayal of Muslim characters in the context of terrorism and extremity. Based on a qualitative research methodology, the study uses the theory of religion by Emile Durkheim, especially the sacred and profane dichotomy to determine the sociocultural meaning behind these representations. The paper concludes that although the novel is trying to bring to the fore important issues in the society, it is also in danger of promoting harmful stereotypes that portray Muslim identity as violent. These portrayals help to create a larger story of stigmatization of religious groups and blurring the line between religious piety and extremism. This paper proposes that literature has a major role in determining the perception of religion and identity among the people. Through this study, the research adds to the literature and cultural studies by making the ethical accountability of fictional narratives focused on presenting religious identities, but without stigmatizing or involving bias.