Islamic Knowledge in Flux: Tradition, Digital Technologies, and the Search for Authenticity
摘要
Chapter 1 introduces the changing terrain of Islamic knowledge acquisition among young Muslims in the Anglosphere, focusing on the relationship between traditional religious authority, digital platforms, and personal networks. The chapter outlines the study’s methodological framework, based on 122 semi-structured interviews and surveys conducted in Australia, the UK, and the USA, highlighting how young Muslims engage with religious teachings in increasingly complex and digitized environments. It examines the historical role of imams and Islamic institutions while addressing the transformative impact of Cyber Islamic Environments (CIEs) and online religious discourse. This chapter offers an agency-centered perspective on how young Muslims actively seek and interpret religious knowledge. By exploring trust, skepticism, and digital literacy, the chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the diverse and fluid ways in which young Muslims navigate faith, identity, and knowledge in the digital era.