Religious identity of young Muslim males from the Commonwealth of Independent States as a transforming phenomenon (a case study of the city of Kazan)

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of religious identity of young Muslim migrants in the city of Kazan. The study is based on a premise that religious identity is a transforming phenomenon influenced by personal experience, historical factors, and social changes. Among these, migration appears to be a significant factor in the transformation of religious identity of individuals. In the study of Muslim migrants’ identity transformation processes the author rests upon the work of L. Peek distinguishing three forms of religious identity: ascribed, chosen, and declared. Each form of identity replaces the previous when religiosity becomes deeper and the implementation of religious practices becomes more conscious. Based on foreign methodology, the author of the article carried out qualitative research in the city of Kazan using in-depth interviews to identify key stages in the transformation of young Muslim migrants’ religious identity — ascribed, chosen, and declared. The first is formed during primary socialization in an environment with the majority of the population practising Islam and is taken for granted, not causing questions and reflection; the second is formed as the individual grows up, transforming from the ascribed identity under the influence of reflection, the external environment, and personal choice; the third is formed as a result of emigration and can undergo relatively small changes during the person’s life