Oxford Handbook of European Islam

Book Description

This comprehensive handbook explores the evolving relationship between Islam and European society, offering readers a nuanced understanding of one of today's most significant cultural intersections. As globalization and migration have transformed what was once a dialogue between distant civilizations into an internal European conversation, questions surrounding religious expression, cultural identity, and social integration have moved to the center of contemporary discourse.

The volume presents a systematic examination of Muslim communities across various European nations, analyzing immigration patterns, integration policies, and the complex dynamics of cultural adaptation. Readers will encounter critical assessments of current data and research, exploring how different countries have navigated challenges related to discrimination, post-colonial identity formation, and the balance between maintaining religious traditions and embracing new cultural contexts.

Beyond country-specific analyses, the handbook delves into broader thematic concerns that resonate across national boundaries. Topics such as secularism's role in modern society, the place of religious law within democratic frameworks, debates over religious symbols in public spaces, and the phenomenon of Islamophobia receive thoughtful examination through a comparative lens.

Written by eighteen distinguished scholars, this resource offers readers seeking deeper understanding of religious diversity and cultural dialogue a scholarly yet accessible exploration of how ancient faith traditions navigate modern European realities. The work provides valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of spirituality, culture, and contemporary social dynamics.