"Isamilis do not look Muslim". The Ismaʿili Community and Constructions of Islam and Modernity in Germany

Table of Content

1. Introduction

1.1 Research Purpose

1.2 Disposition

2. Historical Background

2.1 The Development of an Ismaʿili Belief System

2.2 Ismaʿili Principles

3. Literature Review

3.1 Ismaʿilis as a Whole

3.2 Ismaʿilis in European and Canadian Societies

4. Theoretical Framework

4.1 Anthropology of Lived Religion

4.2 A Theoretical Foundation: Modernity and late-Modernity

4.3 Response to Modernity

4.4 Pluralism

5. Methods

5.1 Design of the Study

5.2 Semi-structured Interviews

5.3 Validity

5.4 Choice and Implementation of Analysis of Data

5.5 Limitations and Biases

5.6 Ethical Considerations

6. Findings

6.1 Participants’ Profile

6.2 Education and Language

6.3 Professional Fulfilment

6.4 Volunteering and Solidarity Thought

6.5 Acceptance, Integration and Adaptability

6.6 Thoughts on Modernity

7. Analysis

7.1 Daily practices

7.2 Values of Caring and Adapting

7.3 Ismaʿili Identity and Belonging

7.4 “Being Modern”

8. Conclusion

9. Bibliography

10. Appendices

Research Objectives and Themes

This thesis examines the "lived religion" of Ismaʿili individuals in Germany, aiming to understand how they navigate their personal religious values alongside their daily lives in a modern, secular society. It seeks to challenge Eurocentric perceptions that view Islam as inherently incompatible with modernity by highlighting how this community adapts its principles while maintaining a unique identity.

• Analysis of personal religious experiences vs. institutional doctrine.
• Application of "reflexive modernity" to Muslim community life.
• The role of education, professional achievement, and volunteering in identity formation.
• Integration, adaptability, and the negotiation of cultural boundaries in Germany.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Outlines the research purpose, focusing on the lived religion of Ismaʿili individuals in Germany and setting the theoretical scope.

2. Historical Background: Provides an overview of Ismaʿili history, the development of their belief system, and the significance of the Imamate.

3. Literature Review: Examines existing academic discourse on Ismaʿili history, their transnational organization, and ethnographic studies in European and Canadian contexts.

4. Theoretical Framework: Discusses the anthropology of lived religion, reflexive modernity (Beck/Giddens), and pluralism as lenses for the study.

5. Methods: Details the use of a narrative research design, snowball sampling, and semi-structured life-history interviews.

6. Findings: Presents the empirical data gathered from participant profiles and recurring thematic areas of their lives.

7. Analysis: Synthesizes the interview findings with the theoretical framework, exploring daily practices, identity, and perceptions of modernity.

8. Conclusion: Summarizes how Ismaʿili individuals effectively integrate religious tradition with secular modernity and suggests avenues for future research.

Keywords

Ismaʿilism, Aga Khan, Islam in Germany, Modernity, Pluralism, Lived Religion, Reflexive Modernity, Integration, Identity Construction, Ismaʿili Community, Secularism, Muslim Minority, Transnationalism, Migration, Social Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central focus of this thesis?

The research explores the "lived religion" of Ismaʿili individuals living in Germany, focusing on how they personally balance their religious faith with modern, secular lifestyles.

What are the primary themes discussed in the work?

Key themes include the importance of education and language, professional achievement, volunteering/solidarity, and the practicalities of integrating religious identity into a German environment.

What is the main research question?

The thesis asks how Ismaʿili individuals successfully combine the traditions of multicultural societies with their divine principles to create a personal way of life.

What research methodology was employed?

The author utilized a qualitative narrative research design, conducting semi-structured life-history interviews with six individuals to gather rich, personal insights.

What does the main body of the work address?

It provides historical context, a review of relevant literature, a theoretical framework based on reflexive modernity, and an empirical analysis of participant narratives.

Which keywords best characterize this research?

Important keywords include Ismaʿilism, Modernity, Pluralism, Lived Religion, Integration, and Identity Construction.

How do Ismaʿilis in Germany view the concept of "modernity"?

Participants generally perceive themselves as fully integrated and modern, viewing their faith as a flexible choice that adapts to their surroundings rather than a static or incompatible dogma.

What role does the Imam play according to the participants?

The Imam is seen as a central, authoritative figure who provides guidance on education, pluralism, and adapting to modern times, though some participants maintain a critical and independent stance regarding his role.