Thinking Congregationally about British Muslims

Abstract

ABSTRACTBritish mosques are growing, both numerically and in terms of their capacity. While there is a burgeoning body of literature that examines mosques for their historical significance, their symbolic resonance, or as sites of conflict and contestation, no studies have yet explored the congregation and the mosque. This article argues that there is value in thinking congregationally about British Muslims and contends that the congregation is emerging as the primary means of doing religion together amongst Muslims in diaspora, replacing older and historical means of association amongst Muslims. Seeking a better understanding of the operation of congregations provides a project that can unite textual and sociological scholars, ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’, and which will potentially have an impact on policy for authorities, and benefit for academic understanding, as well as for mosques and Muslims themselves. Before considering the Muslim congregation, however, the article reviews the field of congregational studies, which has been predominantly focused on churches, and identifies the tools and approaches that can be utilized by scholars wishing to research Muslim congregations.