Do We Appear as We Truly Are?

"I have seen many a soul without a cloak

and many a cloak that hides no soul within."

Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi (quddisa sirruhu)

In today's world, the concept of "image" has taken on immense significance. Dictionaries define this term as "the impression one wishes to leave on others." Self-confidence, communication skills, charisma, appearance, style, etc., all outward-facing facets are encompassed within this idea of 'image.’ Plastic surgeons, image consultants, body language experts, personal success coaches - all are tirelessly laboring to transform the visual aspect of an individual, attempting, in essence, to craft a person who appears "different from their true self." The modern world's perception of the "ideal human" thus seems to prioritize the exterior over the interior.

The Image Industry: An Industry of Deception

Today, image stands as an industry of staggering magnitude, largely propelled by consumer culture. This culture, which views every object and value as a marketable commodity, has transformed human appearance into yet another product in its vast marketplace. People are constantly encouraged to project an image that doesn't authentically belong to them. The result? A landscape populated by hollow beings: individuals devoid of sincerity yet with an exterior that dazzles the eye.

It's essential to acknowledge the influential role mass communication tools, especially visual media, play in this scenario. So much so that mass media, which has monopolized "image creation," can now reshape societies through the artificial images it propagates. Recall how masses mimic the attire and mannerisms of TV series characters.

The narratives and values dominant in the media now largely define public perceptions of good and evil, friend and foe. This can lead us to scrutinize and even judge ourselves and others based on these prevailing cultural molds. A significant number of people devote their entire efforts to refining the image they project upon others, spending a considerable portion of their income on branded clothing, cosmetic surgeries, and beauty products.

The Act of Role-playing and Awaiting a Role

Even we, who have managed to remain grounded and "normal" amidst the chaos, can sometimes fall into another snare set by the culture of image. When assessing someone, we may prioritize their appearance, the manner in which they sit or stand, essentially their projected demeanor. We judge whether their visual presentation conforms to the zeitgeist. Those who seemingly don't fit within conventional molds can be swiftly dismissed.

But are we aware that when we demand a certain image from one another or mask our personalities behind the facades of the modern world, we become complicit in a grand deception, misleading our shared experience of humanity? Furthermore, how sound is it to judge and discern the true character of a person based solely on external appearance? Can the exterior truly represent the interior?

It's often posited that "the exterior is a reflection of the interior," meaning one's inner world manifests in their demeanor and speech. Thus, one's character can be somewhat deduced from their appearance, speech, and body language. However, this is always fraught with the potential for misjudgment. In an era where appearance is almost the sole criterion, speaking of a congruence between appearance and character would be somewhat naive. Consider actors in cinema; they seem so genuine in the roles they portray. Even if their actual emotional state doesn't align with the role, they perform as if it's their true self. Indeed, were we not aware they're actors, we'd be convinced that the role reflects their genuine persona. Likewise, the suspension of disbelief, traditionally confined to the stage and motion pictures, spills out onto the theatrics of everyday life, grabbing us in a mesmerizing spiral and numbing us to the way false appearances mask people’s true colors.

Regrettably, modern culture seems to condemn us all to a form of performance. Our postures, attire, speech, and body language are all molded by numerous external influences. Therefore, passing judgment based on outward appearances can be misleading. An individual with a positive inner world and character might not fit the profile of a "good person" as sculpted in our minds based on appearance and behavior. However, this doesn't mean they aren't virtuous. Conversely, it's contrary to the tasawwuf discipline and moral code of Islam to make assumptions and judgments about a person's inner world, character, or personality when there's no obligation to do so.

True Measures

One must remember that our standard is Islam. Our faith defines a good person not by their outer appearance but by their inner maturity, their moral and spiritual development. A person is deemed virtuous if their intentions and actions are sincere. For, as the venerable hadith declares: “Allah does not look at your appearance or your possessions, but He looks at your heart and your deeds.” (Muslim)

Thus, even if someone's exterior doesn't conform to today's mold of the "good person,” it doesn't negate their inherent goodness. Certainly, today's understanding of what constitutes a "good person" warrants thorough introspection. Consider, for instance, a corporate professional who presents an immaculate image. Their attire, demeanor, speech, and conduct are impeccable. Yet, they might be deceitful and duplicitous. Reflect upon the times when individuals esteemed in society, those holding prestigious jobs and education, have been implicated in disgraceful offenses.

Conversely, one might encounter individuals who don't necessarily project an externally favorable image but are deeply mature in morality, devotion, and piety. Thus, when determining someone's character, their exterior is hardly an adequate metric. While our faith emphasizes cleanliness, grace, and non-disturbance in outward appearance, it also proclaims, “The most valuable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious.” Therefore, it is plausible that someone who might not meet our external expectations holds a distinguished status in the sight of Allah the Almighty. As another hadith articulates: “There are many who wear ragged clothing, but when they swear by Allah to do something, He fulfills their oath.” (Hakim, Mustadrak, 3/292)

Kürşad Salih Yaman