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

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
  • Research Purpose
  • Disposition
• Historical Background
  • The Development of an Isma'ili Belief System
  • Ismaili Principles
• Literature Review
  • Ismailis as a Whole
  • Isma'ilis in European and Canadian Societies
• Theoretical Framework
  • Anthropology of Lived Religion
  • A Theoretical Foundation: Modernity and late-Modernity
  • Response to Modernity
  • Pluralism
• Methods
  • Design of the Study
  • Semi-structured Interviews
  • Validity
  • Choice and Implementation of Analysis of Data
  • Limitations and Biases
  • Ethical Considerations
• Findings
  • Participants' Profile
  • Education and Language
  • Professional Fulfilment
  • Volunteering and Solidarity Thought
  • Acceptance, Integration and Adaptability

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis investigates the lived religion of Isma'ili individuals in Germany, exploring their personal views on religious values and how they integrate these into their daily lives within German society. The study challenges the common Eurocentric view of Islam, which often fails to recognize the complex realities of Muslim communities and portrays Islam as incompatible with "modernity". By focusing on the Isma'ili branch, the thesis presents an example of how Muslim practices adapt and adjust their divine principles to a modern and secular society while maintaining their unique religious identity.

• The lived religion of Isma'ili individuals in Germany
• The adaptation of Islamic principles to a modern and secular society
• The challenge of Eurocentric perspectives on Islam and "modernity"
• The role of "reflexive modernity" in shaping Isma'ili practices
• The preservation of religious identity within a pluralistic society

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction outlines the research purpose, which is to explore how Isma'ili individuals in Germany navigate their religious beliefs and practices within a modern and secular society. It also provides an overview of the thesis's organization.

Chapter 2 provides a historical background on Isma'ilism, tracing the development of its belief system and outlining its core principles. This section sets the context for understanding the contemporary practices of Isma'ili individuals in Germany.

Chapter 3 delves into the existing literature on Isma'ilism, examining both general studies of the community and specific research on Isma'ili communities in European and Canadian contexts. This chapter provides a framework for understanding the current research on Isma'ili communities and their adaptation to diverse social environments.

Chapter 4 outlines the theoretical framework of the thesis, drawing on anthropological approaches to understanding lived religion and theories of modernity and late-modernity. This chapter provides the theoretical foundation for analyzing the data collected from Isma'ili individuals in Germany.

Chapter 5 details the methods employed in the study, including the design of the study, the use of semi-structured interviews, and the procedures for data analysis. This chapter ensures the transparency and rigor of the research methods.

Chapter 6 presents the findings of the study, focusing on the profiles of the participants, their experiences with education and language, their professional lives, their engagement in volunteering and solidarity work, and their perspectives on acceptance, integration, and adaptability within German society. This chapter presents the core results of the research.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The central themes of the thesis revolve around the Isma'ili community, its relationship to Islam and modernity, and its experience in Germany. Key terms and concepts include Isma'ilism, Aga Khan, Islam in Germany, modernity, pluralism, lived religion, reflexive modernity, and integration.