What is it about?
The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of Islamic universities in the West related to identity formation amongst Muslim youth. This is done through a case study of Cambridge Muslim College in the UK involving analysis of the college's values and aims, interviews with the founder and dean, faculty members and students as well as through participatory observation. Cambridge Muslim College sees itself as mediator between Islamic traditions and modern Muslims in the West, and as having a responsibility in engaging in the development of both Muslim minorities and the wider society within which it operates.
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Why is it important?
In Western Europe, the media is full of stories about failed integration and radicalization of Muslim youth. In comparison, we hear little about how ordinary Muslim young individuals balance their minority religious identities and make life choices regarding education, careers, family etc. What role does Islam play in such decisions? How is Islam understood in connection with creation of meaningful adult lives? The answer to such questions teach us something more general about the role of religion in the lives of modern European individuals.
Perspectives
This article touches on a somewhat controversial topic in countries often considered not just modern but also secular such as the UK and Denmark: The role of religion is changing but not diminishing or deteriorating. Religion is part and parcel of modern life and subjectivity formation.
Kirstine Sinclair
University of Southern Denmark
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An Islamic University in the West and the Question of Modern Authenticity, Numen, June 2019, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/15685276-12341546.
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