Islam in Europe

'Perhaps no mistake is greater in discussion of the contemporary world than the belief that identity is one-dimensional, and fixed, and that, on its own, religion, as part of such identity, can explain social and political behaviour. The essays in this volume challenge such simplistic ideas in general, and the particular variant that is applied to Muslims, in the Middle East and in Europe, and as much by Islamist fundamentalists as by western observers. In disaggregating 'identity' and in demonstrating the many varieties of ethnicity, context, religious practice, class belonging and political affiliation of the Muslims who live in Europe, Aziz al-Azmeh and Effie Fokas have produced a book of great relevance to public debate and academic research alike. Professor Fred Halliday, LSE and author of 100 Myths About the Middle East
'Islam in Europe seeks to combat generalisations about the Muslim presence in Europe by illuminating its diversity across Europe and offering a more realistic, differentiated picture. … will appeal to scholars, students and practitioners in the fields of European studies. It also addresses the wider uncertainties and unease about religion in Europe.' Middle East
'… enlightening and fascinating … Using a rigorous methodological approach, the authors reveal the 'tremendous diversity' amongst Muslims in Europe, confirming Aziz al-Azmeh's statement that 'there are as many Islams as there are situations that sustain it,' whether national, local, family-based or interpersonal. … Urgent reading!' European Library
'Islam in Europe is a welcome contribution to the literature which discusses the process of redefining European identity.' Journal of Shi'a Islamic Studies