Mobile Sunna: Islam, small media and community in Niger. (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sounaye, Abdoulaye
• Other Names: Pype Katrien guest-editor.; Mélice Anne guest-editor.; Van Wolputte Steven guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Social compass. Volume 61:Number 1(2014:Mar.)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: Islamic reform -- Izala community -- media production -- Niger -- religion and media complex; Izala -- Niger -- production médiatique -- réforme de l'Islam -- religion et médias; Religion and sociology -- Periodicals; 306.605
• DOI: 10.1177/0037768613514309
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0037-7686

Abstract

In Niger, Izala is a well established Islamic reform movement that is known for its strategic use of small media. The author investigates how these media are produced and circulated during the Wa'zin kasa, a three-day international preaching rally, and how they play an active role in popularizing Izala's discourses and practices and in shaping a moral community. The author illustrates that the mobility of these small media has instigated a media dynamic that has transformed the mediascape in Niger and produced new actors and new religious discourses. These 'Sunna media' have played an important role in the spread of the reformist movement, and in the establishment of new forms of authority. In the case of the Izala movement, they have also generated a specific religiosity.