Deeb: Notes on Pious Shi‘ism and Modernity in Lebanon
Page 1: Introduction to the Study of Modern Piety in Islam
Context of Discussion
Hajjeh Umm Zein reacts to a news report about the Taliban destroying Buddhist statues, voicing her disbelief and frustration.
She voices a sentiment against associating extremist actions with true Islam, emphasizing that such actions do not reflect authentic beliefs.
The discussion emphasizes the distinction made by many pious Shi‘i Muslims regarding their identity against the backdrop of global perceptions, particularly post-September 11, 2001.
Fieldwork Background
The author conducted field research in al-Dahiyya, a southern suburb of Beirut, between 1999-2001, primarily interacting with pious Shi‘i Muslims affiliated with Hizbullah.
The characterization of Lebanese Shi‘is as religious fundamentalists reflects widespread simplistic views of Islam in Western discourse.
Pious Shi‘is distinguish themselves from Islamists, asserting that their version of Islam is indeed modern.
Key Themes of the Book
The narrative challenges assumptions that Islam and modernity are incompatible.
It argues for understanding public expressions of religiosity among various faiths and its intersections with modernity.
Hajjeh Umm Zein reacts to a news report about the Taliban destroying Buddhist statues, voicing her disbelief and frustration. She passionately expresses her perspective that actions perpetrated by extremists should not be conflated with the teachings and beliefs of true Islam. Her reaction highlights a broader concern among many Muslims about the misrepresentation of their faith in the global arena, particularly when linked to violent and radical acts.
This discussion emphasizes the significant distinction made by many pious Shi‘i Muslims regarding their religious identity, especially against the backdrop of global perceptions, which have been heavily influenced by events such as the September 11 attacks in 2001. Pious Shi‘i Muslims often feel compelled to clarify that their beliefs and practices do not align with those of extremist groups, advocating for a nuanced understanding of Islam that recognizes its diversity.
Fieldwork Background
The author conducted extensive field research in al-Dahiyya, a predominantly Shi‘i suburb of Beirut, between 1999 and 2001. This research focused on interactions with pious Shi‘i Muslims affiliated with Hizbullah, a political and religious organization in Lebanon. Throughout this period, the author gathered insights on the beliefs, practices, and daily lives of these individuals, seeking to present a more complex picture of Lebanese Shi‘is that counters the often reductive and simplistic views of Islam prevalent in Western discourse.
Pious Shi‘is actively distinguish themselves from broader Islamist movements, asserting that their version of Islam is not only rooted in tradition but is also modern and relevant in today's world. This self-identification serves to counter stereotypes and offers a robust framework for understanding the multiplicity of expressions of faith within Shi‘ism.
Key Themes of the Book
The narrative challenges prevailing assumptions that Islam and modernity are inherently incompatible. It argues that public expressions of religiosity, observed among various faiths, can intersect with modernity in complex ways. This intersectionality suggests that faith can evolve and adapt to contemporary realities without sacrificing its core values. The author advocates for an understanding of religious expression that recognizes the dynamic and evolving nature of belief systems, positioning pious Shi‘i Islam as a vital part of the broader conversation surrounding modernity and religiosity.