Towards Muslim Pluralism: Dialogue and Discord in Contemporary Sri Lanka

Abstract

Amidst multiple authoritarianisms in Sri Lanka, Shi’i Muslims use textual practices to challenge exclusionary tendencies and attempts to monopolise Islamic knowledge. As alternatives to Salafism, Shi’i and Sufi scholars articulate visions of Islamic life and practice through competing narratives. This chapter identifies a sense of internal Muslim pluralism in contestations of authority, power and knowledge.