From Parents to Peers: Informal Offline Pathways of Islamic Knowledge Transmission in a Digital Age
摘要
Despite the rise of digital religious resources, young Muslims continue to rely heavily on personal networks—family, friends, and mentors—for religious education. This chapter explores how interpersonal relationships shape religious knowledge transmission, with a particular focus on the role of parents, peer discussions, and academic institutions. Mothers often serve as primary educators in early religious understanding, while peer groups facilitate religious discourse among young adults. The chapter also examines the role of Islamic schools and informal study circles in complementing digital resources. While the internet offers accessibility, participants express a preference for face-to-face religious discussions, citing trust and personalization as key factors. Gender differences further influence knowledge-seeking behaviors, with female participants more likely to engage in women-led religious spaces. By highlighting the limitations of digital learning in addressing complex theological and personal questions, this chapter argues that personal networks remain central to religious identity formation among young Muslims in the West.