European Muslims and New Media

By Leen d'Haenens

Book Description

In an era where digital spaces reshape how we understand identity and belonging, this insightful exploration reveals how Muslim communities across Western Europe navigate the complex intersection of faith, technology, and cultural integration. Through careful examination of online discussion forums, social media platforms, and digital communities, this work illuminates the ways young Muslims are creating new pathways for spiritual expression and community connection.

The book demonstrates how digital platforms serve as vital spaces where European Muslims can explore questions of religious authority, seek knowledge beyond traditional sources, and build meaningful relationships that transcend geographical boundaries. These online environments become laboratories for reimagining what it means to be both Muslim and European in contemporary society.

Rather than simply consuming mainstream narratives about their place in Western culture, the Muslims featured in this study actively use digital tools to craft their own stories, challenge stereotypes, and establish authentic voices within broader public discourse. The research reveals how new media technologies are fundamentally transforming traditional concepts of Islamic learning, community formation, and religious practice.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand how spiritual communities adapt and thrive in our interconnected world. It provides a nuanced perspective on the dynamic relationship between faith, identity, and technology in modern European contexts.