AN INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDY OF THE SOCIAL IDENTITY COMPLEXITY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD*

Abstract

Using the framework of Social Identity Complexity Theory (SICT) as developed by Roccas and Brewer (2002), this interdisciplinary study examines the social identity complexity (SIC) of the Prophet Muhammad. Situated in a broader research agenda of mitigating ethno-religious violence in Northern Nigeria through high SIC, the paper describes how Muhammad’s multiple and intersecting social identities—as represented in selected Qur’anic and Hadith sources—can serve as a model for promoting high social identity complexity, thereby fostering tolerance and peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslims. By analysing Muhammad’s personhood, prophethood, prominence as the prototype of the Islamic ingroup, his ethnic, racial, and national identity, and his relationship with some of the non-Muslim outgroups (e.g., Jews and Christians), the study describes a high social identity complexity that can inspire tolerance and mutual co-existence between Christians and Muslims. By highlighting the inclusive, integrative dimensions of Prophet Muhammad’s social identity, the study proposes a model of high SIC that holds promise for contemporary interreligious peacebuilding, especially in the context of persistent Christian-Muslim conflicts in Northern Nigeria.