Everyday Islam in Post-Soviet Central Asia

This book explores the everyday practices of Islam among ordinary Muslims in Uzbekistan, emphasizing identity, morality, and community in a challenging socio-political landscape.

Providing a wealth of empirical research on the everyday practice of Islam in post-Soviet Central Asia, Everyday Islam in Post-Soviet Central Asia offers a detailed account of how Islam is understood and practiced among ordinary Muslims in the region, particularly in Uzbekistan. The book highlights the nuanced ways individuals negotiate their understanding of Islam, which serves as a significant marker for personal identity, a grounding for morality, and a practical tool for addressing everyday challenges in a context marked by economic hardship, social insecurity, and political tension.

Through a focused case study of the city of Bukhara, the text delves into local expressions of Sufism and the veneration of saints. It illustrates how these practices facilitate the pursuit of modest goals related to agency and belonging, contrasting sharply with the often utopian aspirations found in more fundamentalist interpretations of the faith. The author emphasizes the resilience of ordinary Muslims as they navigate their spiritual lives within a complex socio-political landscape.

Everyday Islam in Post-Soviet Central Asia ultimately provides a rich, empirical perspective on the lived experiences of Muslims in the region, shedding light on their daily practices and the role of Islam in shaping their identities and coping strategies amidst contemporary challenges.