A Mosque for Existence
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Une mosquée pour exister
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
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Subtitle: Le militantisme de jeunes musulmans strasbourgeois
Alternative title(s): A mosque to exist: the activism of young Muslims in Strasbourg
Una mezquita para existir: la militancia de los jóvenes musulmanes de Estrasburgo
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Claire Donnet
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)
Full text available for: Une mosquée pour exister
Year: 2013 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.25140
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
This study focuses on the activism of young Muslims in Strasbourg, specifically through the lens of an Islamic organization known as the Mosquée de Hautebourg. The organization advocates for the construction of a local mosque and highlights the complex relationship between religiosity and political engagement among its members. By employing qualitative research methods, the investigation explores how political commitments translate into daily practices and influence the participants' religious identities. The analysis of their activism reveals significant insights into the dynamics of faith, community, and civic engagement in the context of contemporary French society.
2) Politicization of Religious Identity
A key concept examined in the study is the transformation of the participants' identity from "Arabs" to "Muslims," reflecting a politicization of their religious identity. This shift is partly prompted by their social activism, particularly in response to injustices and discrimination faced by Muslims in France. The organization's campaign for a proper mosque illustrates how their religiosity becomes tied to public claims for recognition and justice. By emphasizing their political rights as citizens, the activists seek to challenge the marginalization of Islam and assert its place in public life.
3) Collective Action and Mobilization
The Mosquée de Hautebourg distinguishes itself through its unique mobilization strategies, which include protest actions resembling those of labor unions. The group's tactics, which range from public demonstrations to the use of media for visibility, reveal a collective response to perceived injustices in civic engagement. These protests illustrate a growing awareness among young Muslims of their political agency, aligning their religious beliefs with broader social justice goals. Such actions not only underscore the significance of their faith but also assert their demands for equality within the French socio-political landscape.
4) Critique of Institutionalized Islam
The activists criticize the existing structures of institutionalized Islam in France, particularly the role of established bodies like the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM). They argue that these organizations have failed to adequately represent the diverse voices within the Muslim community and have enabled the state's control over Islamic practices. This critique resonates with their desire for a more autonomous and locally-rooted expression of Islam. Their approach seeks to reclaim agency within the religious sphere and foster a form of Islam that resonates with their lived experiences and identities as young French Muslims.
5) Intersection of Religion and Politics
The study highlights the intersection of religious expression and political activism, demonstrating how the social conditions experienced by the participants inform their understanding of Islam and its role in their lives. The activists advocate for a community-oriented approach to Islam, which contrasts with what they perceive as the dominant narratives that marginalize their identity. They view their activism not only as a defense of their faith but also as a necessary response to social inequities, emphasizing the need for collective mobilization to challenge systemic discrimination.
6) Conclusion
The activism of young Muslims in Strasbourg exemplifies the complex interplay between religion and politics in contemporary society. Their commitment to securing a mosque embodies a broader quest for recognition and dignity within the public sphere. Through their efforts, these young activists reveal how faith can serve as both a source of solidarity and a platform for challenging social injustices. As they navigate the intricacies of their identity, the Mosquée de Hautebourg stands as a testament to the evolving nature of Muslim activism in France, advocating for both religious freedom and social equality.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the activism discussed in Strasbourg?
The activism centers around young Muslims advocating for the construction of a local mosque, highlighting the relationship between their religiosity and political engagement.
How did the flood incident in 2008 influence the activism?
The flooding of a prayer room led to public protests and media attention, prompting local authorities to engage with the demands for a dedicated mosque, thus energizing the activists' political mobilization.
What transformation did the association undergo during this activism?
The association transitioned from being classified as 'cultural' to 'religious', signaling a shift in identity from 'Arabs' to 'Muslims', which facilitated their political engagement.
What strategies did the activists employ in their protests?
Activists organized public prayers and demonstrations, utilized media outreach, and sought legal action, resembling the tactics of social movements and labor unions to voice their demands effectively.
What challenges did the activists face from local authorities?
They encountered resistance and delays from municipal leaders regarding their mosque project, leading to accusations of discrimination and a perceived lack of political support.
What is the significance of the youths' educational background?
The young leaders were educated in France and leveraged their knowledge of civic engagement to challenge existing inequalities and assert their political voice in society.
How do the activists view the relationship between religion and politics?
The activists perceive their Islamic identity as intertwined with their political actions, utilizing religion as a framework for social justice and community empowerment in response to marginalization.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “A Mosque for Existence”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Religion:
[see source text or glossary: #Religion#] The focus of the movement includes how religion is not only a personal belief system but also a collective identity that shapes political activism, reflecting the leaders' desire to assert Islam's legitimate role in public life.
2) Worship:
[see source text or glossary: #Worship#] The activism revolves around the construction of a mosque, a place for communal worship, underscoring the need for appropriate spaces that respect and recognize Muslim practices.
3) Citizen:
[see source text or glossary: #Citizen#] The young activists emphasize their rights as citizens, demanding that their needs and beliefs be recognized within the broader framework of French society, connecting citizenship with cultural identity.
4) Space:
[see source text or glossary: #Space#] The concept of space is critical, as the leaders argue that Muslims should have access to adequate public spaces for worship, which reflects a broader demand for inclusion in public life.
5) Recognition:
Recognition of Islam as a legitimate faith within public discourse is a core aspect of the movement, as activists seek validation for their religious identity in a society that often marginalizes them.
6) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: #Pari#]
7) City:
[see source text or glossary: #City#] The dynamics between the association and the city highlight the tensions inherent in negotiating public policies that impact religious communities and reflect the changing landscape of urban governance.
8) Desire:
The desire for recognition and affirmation of a distinct Muslim identity drives the activists' efforts, illustrating how personal and collective aspirations can translate into social movements.
9) Power:
The struggle for power dynamics in local governance is evident as activists confront municipal authorities in their quest for recognition, challenging existing structures of power with their demands.
10) Cult:
[see source text or glossary: #Cult#]
11) Politics:
Politics is intertwined with worship as the activists articulate their struggles through symbols of Islam, aiming to transform public attitudes and challenge the politicization of their faith.
12) Identity:
The transformation of identity from 'Arabs' to 'Muslims' signifies a collective redefinition, showing how political engagement influences personal and community identities.
13) Debate:
Debates around the mosque's construction reflect larger discussions about cultural diversity, inclusion, and the representation of Muslims in public forums, illustrating the necessity of dialogue in the political landscape.
14) Prayer:
[see source text or glossary: #Prayer#] Collective prayer acts not only as a religious practice but also as a form of public protest and a demand for communal identity within the neighborhood.
15) Commitment:
The commitment of young Muslims to attain a space for worship signifies a deeper dedication to their religious beliefs and rights as integrated citizens.
16) Education:
[see source text or glossary: #Education#] Education is a key factor that shapes the activists' political consciousness, enabling them to engage critically with societal norms and articulate their demands.
17) Dimension:
[see source text or glossary: #Dimension#] The dimension of activism explored demonstrates how religious beliefs can motivate political engagement within marginalized communities.
18) Exercise:
[see source text or glossary: #Exercise#]
19) Child (Children):
The role of children in the neighborhood is significant, as young Muslims represent the future of the community and embody the aspirations of their families for acceptance and recognition.
20) Family:
Family networks provide crucial support for mobilization, illustrating the interconnectedness between individual identities and collective religious activism.
21) Human:
[see source text or glossary: #Human#] The activism of young Muslims embodies a human quest for dignity, rights, and recognition, connecting their struggles to broader themes of social justice.
22) Union:
[see source text or glossary: #Union#]
23) Fear:
Fear of marginalization and discrimination triggers a unified response from young Muslims, transforming their concern into a collective action for recognition.
24) Face (Facing, Faced):
Face-to-face engagements with local authorities symbolize the activists' determination to confront and negotiate their place in the public sphere.
25) Redistribution:
The idea of redistribution emerges in the demands for equal rights and resources, illustrating the connection between social justice and religious recognition.
26) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation within the identity of these young Muslims highlights their journey from cultural obscurity to active political participation as faith becomes intertwined with social justice.
27) Sentiment:
A shared sentiment of injustice fosters solidarity among the members, catalyzing their activism and reinforcing their commitment to organizational goals.
28) Critique:
A critical stance towards both municipal policies and established Muslim organizations reveals the activists' desire for autonomy and genuine representation.
29) Universe:
[see source text or glossary: #Universe#] The universe of beliefs held by the activists shapes their worldview and influences their collective actions for equity in society.
30) Nature:
The nature of their activism reveals how personal experiences of discrimination fuel collective organizing and political engagement.
31) Memory:
Memory of historical injustices influences the activists' motivations, providing a historical context for their current activism.
32) Fight:
The fight for a mosque symbolizes a broader struggle for recognition and equality, connecting religious identity to civil rights.
33) Faith:
The faith of these young Muslims is not only a personal belief system but a catalyst for communal identity and activism.
34) Lead:
The capacity to lead and inspire others to join the movement underscores the role of charismatic leadership in sustaining activism.
35) Cultural diversity:
Cultural diversity within the neighborhood shapes the dynamics of the activists' demands, reflecting the complexities of identity in contemporary France.
36) Implementation:
Implementation of policies that recognize Muslims' rights remains a major challenge, highlighting the need for continual dialogue between communities and authorities.
37) Particularity:
The particularity of their situation as young Muslims in France showcases the unique challenges they face in gaining recognition.
38) Communication (Communicating, Communicate, Communicated):
Effective communication strategies are crucial for mobilizing support, as activists seek to engage a broader audience about their demands.
39) Perception:
The activists' perception of government responses reveals underlying tensions and challenges in achieving equitable treatment.
40) Science (Scientific):
[see source text or glossary: #Scientific#]
41) Withdrawal:
Withdrawal from mainstream discourse by some Muslims opens space for alternative narratives emphasizing their rights and identity.
42) Knowledge:
Acquiring knowledge about political processes and rights empowers activists to effectively advocate for their community.
43) Evolution:
The evolution of their activism highlights changing attitudes within the community and the impact of social movements on personal identities.
44) Salvation:
[see source text or glossary: #Salvation#]
45) Pollution:
Pollution serves as a metaphor for the degradation of their religious practice in inadequate worship spaces, igniting a call for change.
46) Existence:
The existence of the mosque symbolizes more than just a building; it represents community resilience and the assertion of rights.
47) Stability:
Stability in their community is desired, motivating collective actions that promote recognition of their Muslim identity.
48) Dialogue:
Dialogue with local authorities is essential, highlighting the need for communication in negotiating their place in a multicultural society.
49) External:
External pressures from societal attitudes inform the group's activism, as they seek to navigate challenges imposed by the broader context.
50) Habitat:
[see source text or glossary: #Habitat#]
51) Freedom:
Freedom to practice their religion openly and without stigma is a fundamental aspect of their struggle for recognition.
52) Feeling:
The feeling of alienation among young Muslims propels them toward collective action, forming a unified front in their struggle.
53) Fatigue:
[see source text or glossary: #Fatigue#]
54) Network:
A strong network of families and friends enhances the movement's capacity, illustrating the intersection of personal and collective identity.
55) Student:
The student experiences shape their engagement, forming a foundation for their political consciousness.
56) Malika:
[see source text or glossary: #Malika#]
57) Police:
Interactions with police underscore the challenges faced in expressing religious identity publicly; this dynamic compels a call for better recognition.
58) Summer:
[see source text or glossary: #Summer#]
59) Future:
The future envisioned by these activists includes a harmonious coexistence founded on mutual recognition of diversity and rights.
60) Egypt:
[see source text or glossary: #Egypt#]
61) Storm:
The storm metaphorically represents the upheaval in their community, catalyzing calls for change and organized protests.
62) Shame (Same):
Shame associated with social marginalization spurs the activists into action, transforming negative experiences into a unifying force for change.
63) Green:
[see source text or glossary: #Green#]
64) Image:
The image of Muslims in public discourse often distorts their identity, motivating activists to reclaim and redefine this narrative.
65) Logic (Logical):
[see source text or glossary: #Logic#]
66) Agent:
The agent of change among activists signifies a commitment to challenging the status quo and redefining their place in society.
67) Anti (Amti):
[see source text or glossary: #Anti#]
68) Love:
A love for their religion and community drives the activism, creating a shared commitment among the leaders and their supporters.
69) Hope:
[see source text or glossary: #Hope#]
70) Sine (Shined, Shining, Shone, Shine):
[see source text or glossary: #Sine#]
71) Pir:
Building peer networks is essential for mobilization, showcasing the importance of solidarity in their activism.