What Does the Mufti Say? Internal and Public Debates about Islam in Russia

This special issue engages with debates among Muslim believers in contemporary society in Russia. It attends to the complicated question of representation by the muftiates, competition between the different institutions and how the muftis like to position themselves towards the state and its policies. Regarding matters of faith, the special issue examines the concept of “traditional Islam”, presented by the state as the appropriate form of Muslim belief and practice. Interpretations of Islam that diverge from this template run the risk of being criminalized. Finally, it also takes a closser look at online communication about Islam, patterns to be observed and how these again shape the image of Islam in Russia. To some degree, those internal discussions are complemented by debates of a more public character, which form part of a process of negotiating the role of Islam in relation to Orthodox Christianity and other religious systems.