Salafization of Islamic Norms and Its Influence on the Externalization of Islam

Abstract

Debates concerning Islam and Muslims in the West are inscribed in several transnational spaces. As described in chapter 3, identifications and connections to countries of origin are still a significant part of Muslim religious identities. Despite the fact that transnational identifications to Islam were not discussed in our focus groups, they nevertheless influence the definition of what is true Islam not only for Muslims but also for political agencies and media in the West. These transnational trends are part of a broad space defined by multiple and contradictory religious authoritative voices.