Abstract
The article contests the general assumption that religious commitment among young Muslim immigrants hinders their social integration in Western societies. It examines how religious salience and religious practice affect belonging within the broader Aotearoa/New Zealand society and their Muslim community. This article is grounded in the Social Identity Theory, suggesting that individuals' self-concept stems from their affiliation with social groups. Using a cross-sectional survey research design, Muslim immigrant and refugee youth from diverse regions in Aotearoa/New Zealand participated in the study. Two hundred and fifty-eight questionnaires were completed through an online survey using a quantitative method, which included measures of religious salience, religious practice, and sense of belonging. The findings reveal that salience and practice-oriented religiosity significantly contribute to a sense of belonging to the Muslim community. While religious practice does not show a significant correlation with belonging to the broader Aotearoa/New Zealand society, religious salience enhances this sense of belonging. These results offer valuable insights into the role of religiosity in shaping individuals' sense of belonging, highlighting its significance as a pro-social factor that fosters cohesiveness. The study challenges stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding religiosity among Muslim youth in the Western context, often subjecting them to suspicion and stereotypes.