In a Dutch-Moroccan community which often casts music as immoral, illicit, or inappropriate, female musicians in particular struggle to legitimize their morality and authenticity as Muslims. This... Show moreIn a Dutch-Moroccan community which often casts music as immoral, illicit, or inappropriate, female musicians in particular struggle to legitimize their morality and authenticity as Muslims. This article explores the divergent strategies through which two female Dutch-Moroccan artists negotiate their identities as Moroccan, Muslim artists, whether by seeking acceptance or by flagrantly transgressing norms. Whatever the case, the private and public lives of the artists are best understood in light of a normative public discourse which disapproves of their work. Show less
Imams serving in the Netherlands are confronted with diverse expectations. While practising Muslims first of all turn to imams for advice in religious matters, the government expects imams to show... Show moreImams serving in the Netherlands are confronted with diverse expectations. While practising Muslims first of all turn to imams for advice in religious matters, the government expects imams to show believers how to be a good Dutch citizen. But although many Muslims hold their imams in great esteem, the influence of the imam should not be overestimated. Young people in particular are looking in other directions for religious guidance. Show less
With the growth of the Muslim population in the Netherlands more and more mosques are being designed by Dutch architects. But while architects approach mosque design as a display of either... Show moreWith the growth of the Muslim population in the Netherlands more and more mosques are being designed by Dutch architects. But while architects approach mosque design as a display of either traditional or modern values, for commissioners religion plays a crucial, if unspoken, role in the design. Through the design of their mosque commissioners aim to express their own vision of Islam and distinguish it from other visions. Show less
Since the end of the 1990s Moroccan-Dutch youth increasingly identify themselves as Muslim and are categorized as such. Regardless of the way they practice their faith, reference to a “pure” Islam... Show moreSince the end of the 1990s Moroccan-Dutch youth increasingly identify themselves as Muslim and are categorized as such. Regardless of the way they practice their faith, reference to a “pure” Islam and to being Muslim as being one's “true” self are the most important constituting elements in their identity politics. While some scholars and politicians see young Muslims’ distinguishing between religion and culture as a sign of radicalization or lack of integration, the author argues that Muslim youth’s reflections on their Islam and their practices and experiences are a cultural construction grounded in a contemporary local and global context. Show less
