Publisher's Synopsis
Contemporary Islamic revivalism is a multi-dimensional and multi-faceted phenomenon. This book explores the 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 is is neither anti-modernity nor does it seek modernity's destruction. Rather, it highlights that Muslims, are in crisis. The 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 form 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 was once the envy of the world. This volume highlights the veritable 'sectarian' intensity with which Tablighis undertake this restorative work.
