Sunni-Shia identities among young Norwegian Muslims: the remaking of Islamic boundaries

• Published in: Journal of contemporary religion Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 261 - 278
• Main Authors: Linge, Marius, Larsson, Göran
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 04-05-2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Boundaries; diaspora; Filosofi, etik och religion; Fredrik Barth; group conflict; Islam; Minority groups; Muslims; Norway; Philosophy, Ethics and Religion; Sectarianism; Shia; Shia Muslims; Sunni; Sunni Muslims
• ISSN: 1353-7903; 1469-9419; 1469-9419
• DOI: 10.1080/13537903.2022.2050078

The potential spillover of Sunni-Shia conflicts from the Middle East to Muslim minorities in the West is an understandable concern. However, in line with Fredrik Barth's idea that 'boundary maintenance' defines groups, we demonstrate that young Norwegian Muslims redraw Islamic boundaries and challenge traditional Muslim identities, notably along and across Sunni-Shia lines. In Norway, where Muslims from various backgrounds mix and interact, young Muslims both deconstruct and reconstruct Sunni-Shia boundaries. Our data show that these boundaries provide important identity markers. Most young Norwegian Muslims participating in our study downplay Sunni-Shia differences, preferring to emphasise inclusive Muslim identities. However, a minority among them highlight such differences to reaffirm their identities as 'true believers' in opposition to other Muslims.