Islamic Sermons and Public Piety in Bangladesh

Book Description

Through the vibrant streets and gathering spaces of Bangladesh, a profound form of spiritual expression unfolds daily in the tradition of waz mahfils, Islamic sermon gatherings that have captivated communities for over a century. Max Stille opens a window into this rich world of public devotion, revealing how these gatherings serve as far more than simple religious instruction.

Drawing from extensive fieldwork and personal interviews, Stille examines dozens of these sermon events to uncover their deeper significance in Bangladeshi spiritual and social life. These gatherings emerge as dynamic spaces where working-class communities come together to explore faith through dramatic storytelling, musical expression, and deeply felt communication that moves participants from quiet contemplation to joyful laughter.

The author demonstrates how these sermon gatherings blend religious teaching with poetic artistry and political awareness, creating a unique form of civic engagement that engages all the senses. Rather than passive listening, participants experience an interactive journey where Islamic principles come alive through performance, emotion, and shared community experience.

For readers interested in understanding how spiritual practice intersects with daily life and social connection, this work offers fresh insights into the role of religious aesthetics and sensory experience in Islamic tradition. Stille challenges conventional views of public religious discourse, revealing how these gatherings create meaningful spaces for both personal reflection and collective participation in contemporary spiritual life.