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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Renegotiating gender: changing moral practice in the 'Tablighi Jama'at' in The Gambia
Author:Janson, MarloesISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Journal for Islamic Studies
Volume:28
Pages:9-36
Language:English
Geographic term:Gambia
Subjects:gender roles
Islamic movements
Abstract:Over the years, the Tablighi Jama'at has expanded into what is probably the largest Islamic movement of contemporary times. Despite its enormous influence, scholars have paid almost no attention to the movement in sub-Saharan Africa. This article focuses on The Gambia, which has grown into a flourishing centre of Tablighi activities in West Africa during the last decade. Whereas Gambian Tablighis understand Tablighi doctrine as a return to the original teachings of Islam, and as such to a traditional patriarchal gender ideology, the effect of their interventions is that they redefine prevailing divisions between female and male spheres of moral practice. By setting out on missionary tours ('khuruj'), Tablighi women have gained greater prominence in the public sphere, a sphere generally considered 'male'. In order to provide them with more time to perform missionary work, male Tablighis have taken over part of their wives' domestic workload. This reconfiguration of gender roles is studied as the outcome of a reorientation to a new form of piety as a means of realizng a virtuous life that brings one closer to God. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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