Abstract

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.

Highlights

  • Over the past two decades, researchers have devoted much attention to the religious change that is supposedly occurring among young European Muslims

  • There are other young European Muslims who may be character­ ized by different identity dynamics

  • Research on European Muslims has pro­ vided extensive evidence of a change in how they relate to their religious tradition and its authorities

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Summary

The many voices in a Muslim self

Previous research has demonstrated that young European Muslims relate to religion and religious authority differently from their parental generation. Fur­ thermore, the relationship between many young Muslims and established religious authority is marked by ambivalence and complexity. 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. The position of ‘Pious Sara’ emphasizes the peace of mind that is provided by routine religious prac­ tices. Together, ‘Doubting Sara’ and ‘Pious Sara’ maintain a balance that enables both religious stability and growth

Introduction
Negotiating with authority
The need for a dialogical approach to religious authority
The present study
Key divisions in the religious self
Symbolic resources in the service of selfmaking
Driving motives
Motivational dynamics in the religious self
Faith community
Conclusion
Full Text
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