Islamic Revivalism

Contemporary Islamic revivalism is a multi-dimensional and multi-faceted phenomenon. This book explores this phenomenon through an ethnographic study of the worlds largest Islamic revivalist movement, the Tabligh Jamaat (Convey [message of Islam] Group). The basic contention of the book is that contemporary Islamic revivalism is a defensive reaction to the crisis of modernity, yet it is neither anti-modernity nor does it seek modernitys destruction. Rather, it highlights that Muslims are in a crisis. They face the threat of losing their faith and identity in modernity, because according to the revivalist Muslims, the “true” Islamic practice no longer constitutes the foundation of everyday Muslim living. To preclude this from reaching a point of no return, Islamic revivalist movements like the Tabligh Jamaat are engaged in encouraging Muslims to return to the “true” teachings of Islam, and restoring the Islamic glory that once was the envy of the world. This volume highlights the veritable sectarian intensity with which Tablighis undertake this restorative work.