ABSTRACT

This book presents Islam as a lived religion through observation and discussion of how Muslims from a variety of countries, traditions and views practice their religion. It conveys the experiences of researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds and demonstrates the dynamic and heterogeneous world of Islam. The fascinating case studies range from Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Lebanon to the UK, USA, Australia and Indonesia, and cover topics such as music, art, education, law, gender and sexuality. Together they will help students understand how research into religious practice is carried out, and what issues and challenges arise.

chapter |7 pages

Introduction

Studying Islam in practice

chapter 1|13 pages

On fasting in Fes

Learning about food, family, and friendship during fieldwork in Morocco

chapter 4|11 pages

Studying fatwas

Global and local answers to religious questions

chapter 5|13 pages

The hajj

Its meaning for Turkish Muslims

chapter 6|11 pages

Studying Islam and the city

The case of Istanbul

chapter 9|14 pages

An ethnographer among the Ahmadis

Learning Islam in the suburbs

chapter 11|15 pages

Where heaven meets earth

Music and Islam in everyday life and encounters

chapter 12|14 pages

Muslims and the art of interfaith post-9/11

American Muslim artists reach out to New Yorkers in the aftermath of September 11

chapter 13|17 pages

Global Muslim markets in London

chapter 14|9 pages

Researching Muslim converts

Islamic teachings, political context and the researcher's personality

chapter 15|14 pages

Studying Muslims and cyberspace