The first critical and theoretically grounded book-length study of Hajj literature and practices of Bosnian Muslims redefines pilgrimage and offers new methods for investigating its meaning and importance for generations of premodern and modern believers, shedding light on Balkan communities previously ignored by modern scholarship in Islamic, religious, and area studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive and theoretically informed book delves into the realm of Hajj literature and practices among Bosnian Muslims, presenting a groundbreaking exploration of the significance of the Hajj for both premodern and modern believers. It challenges traditional academic perspectives that often prioritize nationalism and ethnic conflict in the region, instead highlighting the richness of texts, visual and archival material, and genres that defy established literary canons. By shedding light on the previously overlooked Balkan communities within the framework of Islamic, religious, and area studies, this work contributes to a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of the Hajj's cultural and religious significance.

Hajj Literature and Practices of Bosnian Muslims: A Critical and Theoretically Grounded Study

This book is the first critical and theoretically grounded book-length study of Hajj literature (written texts about the experience of the Hajj) and Hajj practices of Bosnian Muslims. It redefines the ways pilgrimage can be understood and offers new methods for investigating the meaning and importance of Hajj for generations of premodern and modern believers. It also throws light on Balkan communities previously ignored by modern scholarship in Islamic, religious, and area studies.

Breaking with the predominant academic trends of focusing on nationalism and ethnic conflict in the region, it instead puts the spotlight on the richness of texts, visual and archival material, and genres that challenge the established literary canons. The book explores a wide range of topics, including the historical development of Hajj literature, the various practices and rituals associated with the Hajj, the role of women in Hajj, and the impact of the Hajj on the individual and society. It also examines the relationship between the Hajj and other Islamic practices, such as prayer, fasting, and charity.

One of the key strengths of the book is its interdisciplinary approach, which draws on a range of disciplines, including history, sociology, anthropology, and religious studies. This allows the author to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the Hajj and its significance in different cultural and religious contexts. The book also includes a number of case studies and interviews with Bosnian Muslims who have participated in the Hajj, which provide valuable insights into their experiences and perspectives.

Overall, this book is a significant contribution to the field of Islamic studies and the study of religion more broadly. It offers a fresh and innovative perspective on the Hajj and its importance for believers across different generations and cultures. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the Hajj and its impact on the world.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474494106