Embodying Islam: The political, social and spiritual use of the body in performative practice. (1st December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bridgeman, Lauren
• Is Part Of: Performing Islam. Volume 6:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 154
• Publication Date: 2017-12-01
• Subjects: Performing arts -- Islamic countries -- Periodicals; Islamic countries -- Social life and customs -- Periodicals; 700.48297
• DOI: 10.1386/pi.6.2.123_1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2043-1015

Abstract

Attitudes towards the performing body in Islam are complex and varied. The highly codified ritual prayer salat is central to daily life, while dancing is oft regarded as an immoral and frivolous activity. Sufi Muslims embrace movement-based practices as part of a spiritual experience and receive harsh criticism from other Islamic denominations. Yet, many people enjoy dancing, at celebrations, for example, and those living in conservative countries put themselves at extreme risk to do so. This article explores this paradox by analysing the political, social and spiritual use of the body in Islam through three embodied practices: dance, salat and Sufi worship. How does belief affect Muslims' experiential and everyday modes of being? How does it manifest in performative aspects of both culture and religion? What are the politics of performance in Islam? This research reveals how history, culture and Islamic ideology intersect to form dynamic and multifarious interpretations of the body and its boundaries.