One of the leading Islamist groups active in Pakistan and Kashmir today is the Lashkar-i-Tayyeba, or 'The Army of the Pure'. Founded in 1993 and banned in early 2002, the Lashkar comprises largely... Show moreOne of the leading Islamist groups active in Pakistan and Kashmir today is the Lashkar-i-Tayyeba, or 'The Army of the Pure'. Founded in 1993 and banned in early 2002, the Lashkar comprises largely Pakistani militants who had immersed themselves in the jihad in Afghanistan. After the expulsion of the Soviets, these mujahids turned their attention to fresh pastures, Kashmir being one of them. The Lashkar's ideology bears close resemblance to that of the Al-Qacida and preaches a large-scale jihad against the 'enemies of Islam' in order to establish a unified Islamic state. Show less
The religious life of the Daudi Bohras - an Ismaili sect of South Asian Shici Muslims - comprises a rich pattern of beliefs and rituals. Its members adhere to seven pillars of Islam. Besides the... Show moreThe religious life of the Daudi Bohras - an Ismaili sect of South Asian Shici Muslims - comprises a rich pattern of beliefs and rituals. Its members adhere to seven pillars of Islam. Besides the well-known five, the other two include walaya, or devotion to the Prophet and his relations, and obedience to the twenty-first hidden imam. Visits to tomb shrines constitute a significant expression of devotional observances. Distinct from the Hajj, this type of pilgrimage is known as ziyaret in Bohra usage. The following concentrates on domestic pilgrimages or visits to tombs of dais* (leaders of the missionary effort) and other functionaries in India. Show less
Can a woman become an alima? While there is a vast amount of information and literature on the subject of Muslim men's learning in madrasas, this is not the case for the women's religious schools.... Show moreCan a woman become an alima? While there is a vast amount of information and literature on the subject of Muslim men's learning in madrasas, this is not the case for the women's religious schools. A visit to a women's madrasa called Jamiatul Banaath, located in India's sixth largest city, Hyderabad, is the basis for further research on this topic. Show less
