American Born Imams: Negotiating Clerical Responsibilities and Expectations

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Anas Askar (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: This inductive , exploratory study seeks to understand in detail the personal perspectives and career paths that American born Imams experience as they become religious leaders. In doing so , this study will examine their objectives and goals for the religious communities in which they reside and are integrally related. More specifically , this study analyzes the responsibilities and expectations with which imams must contend on a daily basis. Symbolic interactionism frames these issues and , at the same time , is the driving force behind an understanding of the imams' experiences as well as those of other important actors in Muslim communities. Employing structured and in-depth interviews , this convenience sample of American born imams addresses key questions which inductively give rise to three major themes: imams currently receive inadequate training for their positions as religious leaders in their communities; the relationship between the mosque board and an imam can directly reinforce or mitigate against problems within the religious community; and certain fundamental advantages along with disadvantages emerge for imams who are American born.

Additional Information

Publication

Thesis

Language: English

Date: 2017

Keywords

Muslims, Board

Subjects

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