ABSTRACT
This chapter raises some questions about two terms often used within both the mass media and academic studies, Muslim community and ummah (community of believers). Despite the general use of the terms Muslim community and ummah, the reality is that Muslims are divided into many factions and groups, and what is indicated as one ummah is in reality affected by sectarianism, theological disputes, racism and political divisions. Though Muslims acknowledge the existence of divisions and sectarianism, the majority do not see in this a denial of the ummah. The author suggests that to avoid essentialism, but at the same time be able to explain the trans-national, trans-ethnic, and often trans-sectarian (Sunni versus Shi‘a) sense of belonging among Muslims, one should reconsider the central role that emotions and feelings play. The chapter also reconsiders Hetherington’s re-examination of the concept of Bund.
