Social Distance and Cultural Solidarity: Muslim Mothers and Nurturing Indonesian-Northern Irish Children

Abstract

Living in a non-Muslim community can be highly challenging for those who follow Islam. The loneliness, daily challenges, psychological issues, and acculturation distress can be stumbling blocks to completing their religious practices while also teaching Islamic values to their children. Employing qualitative study with a focused ethnography approach, this study explores Indonesian Muslim mothers' lived experiences while educating their children about Islam in the midst of a non-Muslim community. We analyzed interview data using thematic analysis. Our results provide information for Muslims on the associated social distance and cultural solidarity of living in a non-Muslim community.