The many voices in a Muslim self: Dialogical self theory in conceptualizing the religious identities and authorities of young European Muslims

Previous research has demonstrated that young European Muslims relate to religion and religious authority differently from their parental generation. While traditional ‘ulama (Islamic scholars) are not about to become obsolete, they are nevertheless increasingly forced to defend their status against...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Approaching religion
Main Author: Pauha, Teemu (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: [publisher not identified] 2022
In: Approaching religion
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Europe / Muslim / Adult (18-25 Jahre) / Religious identity / Self theory / Dialectics
RelBib Classification:AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
AE Psychology of religion
AG Religious life; material religion
BJ Islam
KBA Western Europe
Further subjects:B Shi‘ism
B Dialogue
B Muslim youth
B religious authority
B Religious Identity
B Islam in Europe
B Qur’an
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:Previous research has demonstrated that young European Muslims relate to religion and religious authority differently from their parental generation. While traditional ‘ulama (Islamic scholars) are not about to become obsolete, they are nevertheless increasingly forced to defend their status against competitors. Furthermore, the relationship between many young Muslims and established religious authority is marked by ambivalence and complexity. In this article, I suggest the dialogical self theory (DST) as a fruitful approach to conceptualizing the religious identities and authorities of young European Muslims. To illustrate DST, I present a case study of a young Shi‘a Muslim who adopts two rather different positions towards religion. The position of ‘Doubting Sara’ is characterized by an independent search for an intellectually and ethically satisfactory worldview. In turn, the position of ‘Pious Sara’ emphasizes the peace of mind that is provided by routine religious practices. Together, ‘Doubting Sara’ and ‘Pious Sara’ maintain a balance that enables both religious stability and growth.
ISSN:1799-3121
Contains:Enthalten in: Approaching religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.30664/ar.110855