13 July 2011

Denmark: Many Muslims practice religion on an individual basis

.... "There's a trend where religion is practiced on a more individual basis among Muslims and adapted to everyday life. Instead of the imam saying in the mosque how religion should be carried out, among some Muslims the individual determines how religion is practiced.

It's not about what I can do for God, but what God can do for me," explains Phd student Nadia Jeldtoft. As part of her uncompleted doctoral thesis, she carried out quality interviews with 39 non-activist Muslims in both Denmark and Germany.

She explains that many of the Muslims she interviewed display a spiritual religion, where they mediate and use new-age elements.

"some have, for example, a spiritual approach to Ramadan. They think it's good to test their body and test their endurance by fasting," says Nadia Jeldtoft. [Islam in Europe] Read more