Islamic Revivalism: Encounters the Modern World

Contemporary Islamic revivalism is a multi-dimensional and multi-faceted phenomenon. This book explores this phenomenon through an ethnographic study of the world’s largest Islamic revivalist movement, the Tabligh
Jama‘at (‘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 modernity’s 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 Jama‘at 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.

About the Author

Dr Jan A. Ali is a sociologist of Religion. He lectures in Islamic Studies in the School of Humanities and Languages and also holds the title of the Community and Research Analyst at the Centre for the Study of Contemporary Muslim Societies, University of Western Sydney. His main sociological focus is on the study of existential Islam. In recent years, he has been invited by a number of organisations in Sydney and Adelaide to deliver public lectures on Islamic Revivalism, Shar’iah, Terrorism and other important topics related to Islam. Dr Ali has published a number of book chapters and refereed journal articles on different aspects of Islam.

During 2007–08, Dr Ali collaborated with Dr Amanda Wise at the Centre for Research on Social Inclusion, Macquarie University, to research on Muslim/non-Muslim relations in Australia. This resulted in their report Muslim Australians and Local Government: Grassroot Strategies to Improve Relations between Muslim and Non-Muslim Australians. Currently, Dr Ali researches with Professor Kevin Dunn, investigating the effects of the New South Wales Police Community-Engagement Counter Radicalisation Model in Australia. He is also working with Associate Professor Adam Possamai on a project concerning Labour Force Participation of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists in Australia.