Methodological and communicative probletms of gathering information on the religious identity of muslim migrants

This study begins with a description of migration problems and the specific nature of migration processes. The collapse of the Soviet state led to a serious deterioration in migration problems due to the influx of a large number of migrants from Central Asian countries. A consequence of this was the formation of new Islamic practices, which are conducted by migrants, professing Islam. The aim of the study was to start a discussion in Russia and abroad, as interest in the methodology of studying migration increased. The article is based on the material of structured and semi-structured interviews, as well as included observation with field notes and notes how to study the formation of the concepts of the relationship between migration processes, the Islamic religion and the perception of terrorism and radicalism. The article examines the markers of the community under investigation and explains what the definition of Muslim migrants means, because those who live in Central Asia may not be Muslims, treat religion indifferently and do not follow the Islamic religious rituals. In addition, most of those who consider themselves believers may not be practicing Muslims. In this context, the anthropologist should not seek certain patterns, and the meanings associated with symbols and interpreted by individuals that are the essence of culture should become the core of research and analysis. In addition to ethnic features, it is necessary to pay attention to the methodological tendencies associated with postmodernism. Among the significant interrelated elements of this trend can be called: the field of an anthropologist, his claims to a substantive description or interpretation of the object of research, the self-reflection of an anthropologist as the main participant in field work. In addition to the methodological problems facing the study of Islam, there are communicative problems associated with immersion in the field of research. From the religious point of view, Muslim migrants adhere to the rules of discussion regarding the discussion about the fact of belonging to Islam of the anthropologist himself, whether he is a Muslim and how he understands Islam. As a result of migration, a new conceptual area arose in the anthropology of Islam. The methodology of the research has shifted from the scope of studying religion to the context of rethinking the concept of “who is a Muslim and a Muslim migrant”. The priority of the research is shifted to the activity of a sensible individual perception of Islam, as well as a rethinking of the discipline of the anthropology of Islam.

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