Honors Theses

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Croft Institute for International Studies

First Advisor

Ahmet Yukleyen

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This paper examines the role of Islamic religious authority in France as it pertains to the possibilities and limitations of Muslims becoming French. Such religious authority has emerged in the form of an institutionalized Islam promoted by both the Muslim community and the French government. One of the major federations, the Union des organisations islamiques de France (UOIF), was used as a case study. Primary data was collected from the websites of the UOIF and of affiliated organizations, pamphlets, and newsletters for the Rencontre annuelle des musulmans de France (RAMF). The nature of the data collected centered on the UOIF's presented image, reactions to major issues, affiliations and contributions to other organizations or movements. The study then uses Frank Peter's idea of the ''Muslim field” in France to place the UOIF in the context of the greater French society. This study found that the UOIF functions within the laws of the French Republic while still contesting those laws that negatively affect the rights of Muslims as French citizens. This role is influencing the potential reevaliiation of French Republican and laic values by the French government. Should no change occur in these values, the UOIF would continue on its course to promote a in the event that the values change, the role of the UOIF would have an increased importance in the process of redefining those values.

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