Becoming Better Muslims

Religious Authority and Ethical Improvement in Aceh, Indonesia

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Marriage & Family, Anthropology
Cover of the book Becoming Better Muslims by David Kloos, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Kloos ISBN: 9781400887835
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: November 28, 2017
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: David Kloos
ISBN: 9781400887835
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: November 28, 2017
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

How do ordinary Muslims deal with and influence the increasingly pervasive Islamic norms set by institutions of the state and religion? Becoming Better Muslims offers an innovative account of the dynamic interactions between individual Muslims, religious authorities, and the state in Aceh, Indonesia. Relying on extensive historical and ethnographic research, David Kloos offers a detailed analysis of religious life in Aceh and an investigation into today’s personal processes of ethical formation.

Aceh is known for its history of rebellion and its recent implementation of Islamic law. Debunking the stereotypical image of the Acehnese as inherently pious or fanatical, Kloos shows how Acehnese Muslims reflect consciously on their faith and often frame their religious lives in terms of gradual ethical improvement. Revealing that most Muslims view their lives through the prism of uncertainty, doubt, and imperfection, he argues that these senses of failure contribute strongly to how individuals try to become better Muslims. He also demonstrates that while religious authorities have encroached on believers and local communities, constraining them in their beliefs and practices, the same process has enabled ordinary Muslims to reflect on moral choices and dilemmas, and to shape the ways religious norms are enforced.

Arguing that Islamic norms are carried out through daily negotiations and contestations rather than blind conformity, Becoming Better Muslims examines how ordinary people develop and exercise their religious agency.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

How do ordinary Muslims deal with and influence the increasingly pervasive Islamic norms set by institutions of the state and religion? Becoming Better Muslims offers an innovative account of the dynamic interactions between individual Muslims, religious authorities, and the state in Aceh, Indonesia. Relying on extensive historical and ethnographic research, David Kloos offers a detailed analysis of religious life in Aceh and an investigation into today’s personal processes of ethical formation.

Aceh is known for its history of rebellion and its recent implementation of Islamic law. Debunking the stereotypical image of the Acehnese as inherently pious or fanatical, Kloos shows how Acehnese Muslims reflect consciously on their faith and often frame their religious lives in terms of gradual ethical improvement. Revealing that most Muslims view their lives through the prism of uncertainty, doubt, and imperfection, he argues that these senses of failure contribute strongly to how individuals try to become better Muslims. He also demonstrates that while religious authorities have encroached on believers and local communities, constraining them in their beliefs and practices, the same process has enabled ordinary Muslims to reflect on moral choices and dilemmas, and to shape the ways religious norms are enforced.

Arguing that Islamic norms are carried out through daily negotiations and contestations rather than blind conformity, Becoming Better Muslims examines how ordinary people develop and exercise their religious agency.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book The Silicon Jungle by David Kloos
Cover of the book The Spirit of Compromise by David Kloos
Cover of the book Of Sand or Soil by David Kloos
Cover of the book Meaning in Life and Why It Matters by David Kloos
Cover of the book Return of the "L" Word by David Kloos
Cover of the book Kierkegaard's Writings, XX: Practice in Christianity by David Kloos
Cover of the book Alan Turing: The Enigma by David Kloos
Cover of the book The Furies by David Kloos
Cover of the book Numbers Rule by David Kloos
Cover of the book Atmosphere, Clouds, and Climate by David Kloos
Cover of the book The Tests of Time by David Kloos
Cover of the book Locke and the Legislative Point of View by David Kloos
Cover of the book The Constrained Court by David Kloos
Cover of the book Privilege by David Kloos
Cover of the book Disarmed by David Kloos
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy