The Case for Studying Non-Muslim Islams

Abstract

In this article we define a new concept that has not previously been theorized: non-Muslim Islam. We argue that theories and methodologies within Islamic studies produce a hierarchy between Muslim and non-Muslim productions of Islam, prioritizing the first. However, this article highlights that Islam may be produced for other purposes than belief in a deity; Islam may for example be important in producing non-Muslim identity, politics, aesthetics, narratives, etc. We therefore argue the case for studying non-Muslim Islam, because: 1) Non-Muslim Islams play an important role in Euro-American societies and are therefore interesting in and of themselves; 2) Non-Muslim Islams have a significant impact on Muslim Islams, and thus, we will not understand Muslim Islams without a clear understanding of non-Muslim Islams; 3) It is a way of insisting on an etic research epistemology. The article ends with a discussion of ethical and strategic benefits of adopting this approach.

Making Islam Work

“…For an extensive discussion of the methodological implications of the term 'Muslim' for research, seePetersen and Ackfeldt (2023).Thijl Sunier -978-90-04-68492-8 Downloaded from Brill.com 06/02/2024 02:54:32AM via Open Access. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0…”