Shari'a and Life: Authority, Compromise, and Mission in European Mosques

Shariʿa and Life explores how Muslims engage with shariʿa norms in majority non-Muslim societies, examining how fatwas are sought, negotiated, and contested. It also analyzes individual strategies to mitigate conflicts between interpretations of shariʿa and everyday life, such as financial transactions, education, the workplace, sports, electoral participation, Christmas greetings, proselytizing, and the legitimacy of living in a non-Muslim country.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Drawing on a wealth of field studies conducted over five years in pragmatic- and dogmatic-inclined mosques across Europe, Shariʿa and Life delves into the intricate ways in which Muslims navigate and engage with shariʿa norms, particularly in the context of living in majority non-Muslim societies. The book explores the diverse approaches taken by Muslims to seek, negotiate, paraphrase, contest, or disregard fatwas (advice on shariʿa-related matters) within mosques, online platforms, and various other settings. Furthermore, it analyzes individual strategies employed by Muslims to mitigate conflicts arising between different interpretations of shariʿa and their daily lives, going beyond the confines of religio-legal discourse.

Within the pages of Shariʿa and Life, a wide range of issues are examined, including financial transactions, education, the workplace, sports, electoral participation, Christmas greetings, proselytizing, and the legitimacy of choosing to reside in a non-Muslim country. By shifting the focus from the authors and texts of fatwas to their recipients, the book grants a voice to those often marginalized and showcases the remarkable discretion and flexibility with which tensions between shariʿa and life are resolved.

Through its comprehensive analysis, Shariʿa and Life provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics between religious beliefs and modern life, shedding light on the strategies employed by Muslims to reconcile their faith with the demands of contemporary society. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and individuals interested in understanding the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims in diverse cultural contexts.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487554378