Finnish Shia Youth and the Qur’an: Cultural Psychological Perspectives on Lived Religion (Muslims in Global Societies Series #13)

By: Teemu Pauha

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Synopsis: This book investigates the role of the Qur’an in the everyday lives of young Shia Muslims in Finland. Adopting a cultural psychological perspective on Islamic scripture, the book approaches the Qur’an as a symbolic resource that young Muslims can draw on to find guidance and support, to reflect on the meaning and purpose in their lives, or to experience community with other believers. The book emphasizes the variety of ways in which young Shia Muslims relate to the scripture, bringing to life the various ways in which young Shia Muslims grapple with a text that is difficult to understand and try to construct a meaning that makes it relevant in the context of contemporary Finland. This book provides a novel approach to the religious lives of a little-known religious minority. In addition, it brings together fields that have so far been largely separate, in particular cultural psychology and Islamic studies. As such, the book provides a valuable resource to scholars interested in lived religion, religious minorities, Islam in Europe, sacred texts, as well as culture and human mind.