The book Islamic Reform in South Asia (2013) discusses contemporary Islamic reformism in South Asia challenging the dichotomy between Sufism as "good" and "authentic" form of Islam and Reformisms as "bad" and "inauthentic." Instead it argues that the Western project and War on Terror has shaped and influenced our perceptions and research on religion in general in South Asia and Islamic reform in particular. How has Islamic Reform responded and evolved within the current political context?

The point of departure of this breakfast forum is the book "Islamic Reform in South Asia" (2013) which Dr Caroline Osella has edited. Caroline Osella is Reader in Anthropology at SOAS, London. She teaches ethnography of South Asia, theory in anthropology, migration/diaspora and issues in sex/gender. Her current research work concerns the senses and performance practices in environments of super-diversity; her next research project is likely to approach issues of faith practice and religious transmission among mothers living in plural societies.

Knut Axel Jacobsen is professor in religious studies at the Department of Archeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion, University of Bergen. He is one of the leading scholars within the fields of Hinduism and religious pluralism in South Asia and South Asian diasporas. Recent works include Pilgrimage in the Hindu Traditions (2013), Yoga Powers (ed. 2012), Sikhs in Europe: Migration, Identity and Transnational Practices (ed. 2011). Professor Jacobsen is also editor-in-chief of the six volume Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism (2009-2014).

 

Freshly baked croissants and coffee will be served - all welcome!