“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ― Oscar Wilde: In the light of Islam

One potential criticism of the quote is that it can be interpreted as promoting individualism and self-centeredness, which goes against the values of collectivism and community that are important in many cultures and religions, including Islam. For example, the Quran states in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2:

وَتَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلْإِثْمِ وَٱلْعُدْوَٰنِ

"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression." 

This verse emphasizes the importance of working together towards what is right and just, while avoiding harmful and sinful behavior. It highlights the need for collective action and cooperation while also encouraging individual responsibility and accountability.

The quote suggests that one should be authentic and original, and not imitate others. From an Islamic perspective, being yourself can have different meanings depending on the context and intention. On one hand, Islam teaches us to respect and honor all human beings, regardless of their differences, and to be honest and truthful in our speech and actions. Islam also encourages us to explore our talents and potentials, and to use them for good purposes. On the other hand, Islam also warns us against being arrogant, self-centered, or rebellious, and reminds us that we are accountable to Allah for everything we do. Islam also guides us to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, who were the best models of human excellence. Allah says,

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا ۚ فِطْرَتَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّتِى فَطَرَ ٱلنَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. [Adhere to] the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created [all] people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most of the people do not know.” (Quran 30:30)

This verse shows that being yourself in Islam means following the natural way that Allah has instilled in all people, which is to worship Him alone and to obey His commands.

Therefore, being yourself in Islam does not mean following your whims and desires, or rejecting the guidance of Allah and His Messenger. Rather, it means being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, your rights and responsibilities, your goals and values, and your role and purpose in life. It means being grateful for the blessings that Allah has given you, and striving to improve yourself according to His will. It means being humble, sincere, compassionate, and generous towards others, and seeking Allah's pleasure in everything you do.

Some verses from the Quran and some sayings from the Sunnah that relate to this topic are:

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْبَصَرَ وَٱلْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْـُٔولًا

- "And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart - about all those [one] will be questioned." (Quran 17:36)

The verse means that one should not follow or say anything that one has no knowledge of, such as false accusations, rumors, lies, or speculations. It also means that one should verify any information before accepting or spreading it, and use one’s faculties of hearing, sight, and reasoning to seek the truth. It also warns that Allah will question everyone about how they used these faculties and whether they followed His guidance or not.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلْإِنسَٰنُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ ٱلْكَرِيمِ

O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous,

ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ فَسَوَّىٰكَ فَعَدَلَكَ

- "And [He] who created you and fashioned you well and proportioned you well?" (Quran 82:7)

فِىٓ أَىِّ صُورَةٍ مَّا شَآءَ رَكَّبَكَ

In whatever form He willed has He assembled you.

It is a rhetorical question that implies the greatness and power of Allah, and the gratitude and obedience that humans owe to Him. It also implies that Allah knows everything about His creation, and that He has a purpose and a plan for each one of them.

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

- "O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (piety). Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Quran 49:13)

It means that the only criterion of superiority and honor among people is their piety and righteousness, not their race, color, language, or wealth. 

Ibn ’Umar (RAA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “He who imitates any people (in their actions) is considered to be one of them.” 

 مَنْ تَشَبَّهَ بِقَوْمٍ, فَهُوَ مِنْهُمْ ‏.‏ 

Bulugh al-Maram

This hadith is a general principle of Islamic identity and distinctiveness, and it covers many aspects of life, such as dress, speech, manners, worship, festivals, etc. It protects the Muslims from being influenced or corrupted by the ways of those who are astray or rebellious. It also encourages the Muslims to be proud of their faith and to adhere to its teachings and values. It also reminds the Muslims to be loyal to their fellow believers and to avoid division and disunity.