Seeking Allah's Hierarchy
Book • 2025
Saidalavi's 'Seeking Allah's Hierarchy' investigates social hierarchy among Muslims in South India, specifically focusing on a Muslim barber community.
The study explores how these communities navigate hierarchy through Islamic values, shaped by economic, cultural, and political factors.
It argues that Muslim hierarchy is distinct from caste in Hinduism, operating within a 'lived tradition' where Muslims use Islamic interpretations to rationalize their practices.
Barbers challenge perceptions of inferiority by emphasizing their religious piety, while others use Islam to frame barber work as morally obligatory but undignified.
This book highlights the complexities of Islamization, emphasizing Muslims' active role in interpreting and shaping their traditions.
The study explores how these communities navigate hierarchy through Islamic values, shaped by economic, cultural, and political factors.
It argues that Muslim hierarchy is distinct from caste in Hinduism, operating within a 'lived tradition' where Muslims use Islamic interpretations to rationalize their practices.
Barbers challenge perceptions of inferiority by emphasizing their religious piety, while others use Islam to frame barber work as morally obligatory but undignified.
This book highlights the complexities of Islamization, emphasizing Muslims' active role in interpreting and shaping their traditions.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 0 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Khadija Amenda
P. C. Saidalavi, "Seeking Allah's Hierarchy: Caste, Labor, and Islam in India" (U Pennsylvania Press, 2025)
