Search for Muslim Identity in Hamid Mohsin's The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Abstract

Hamid Mohsin's The Reluctant Fundamentalist is a tale of Changez, a Pakistani Muslim youth, educated in Princeton University, United States of America. He has an attractive job and a sensuous girl-friend, Erica, to add to his success. However, following the infamous 9/11 attacks on various sites and cites of the States, Changez finds Muslim’s identity at stake. The aftermath of the 9/11 has seriously challenged the distinctiveness of the third world youths, especially Muslim, and Changez finds life and living in the States seriously challenging by each day. On the top, he finds his beloved Erica also has changed and, she prefers to remain aloof from him. All these issues and happenings severely challenge Changez’s self-respect, and he stakes his established career to return to Lahore, his hometown in Pakistan. Lahore is a typical third world predominantly Muslim city – overpopulated and full of chaos and disorder. Nevertheless, from Changez’s point of view it is satiating and soothing in contrast to the sophisticated life at the States, as it satiates his self and gives him an identity of owness and security.