Sociology of Sri Lankan Muslims: dealing with different dimensions of Muslim society

Abstract

The study on sociology of Sri Lankan Muslims has hardly been the subject matter of sociology in any academic institutions in Sri Lanka. Although, very few studies have engaged in some of the socio-economic and political challenges confronting the Sri Lankan Muslims, they lmve not yet triggered a sociological discourse on Sri Lankan Muslims. The purpose of this essay is to explore the theoretical and conceptual contribution of studies on Sri Lankan Muslims to the enrichment of sociology of Sri Lankan Muslims. This essay also examines various challenges confronting the Muslims in the present context, particularly the toxic anti-Muslim campaign being undertaken by the Sinhala Buddhists nationalists across the country. This essay largely relies on secondary data which are analyzed in a descriptive and interpretative manner. This essay delves into the contestation of ethnic identity concerning the Sri Lankan Muslims. I argue that the etlmic identity of Sri Lankan Muslims is constructed on the basis of religion in response to anti-Muslim

propaganda undertaken by the Sinhala Buddhist hardliners and Islamicisation of religious movements in the country at present. The essay also deals with stratification of Sri Lankan Muslims, particularly focusing on the caste and class issues. It becomes clear that the system of stratification among Muslims has undergone a dramatic change in View of modernization, globalization and Islamic movements and their propaganda against discrimination and inequality. This essay also unpacks the role of Islamic movements in the country and how their different religious interpretations contribute to tensions leading to conflict among the ultra-religious groups as well as inter-religious (ethnic) groups. Nevertheless, it is apparent the process of Islamiziation is rapidly taking root among Sri Lankan Muslims thanks to emergence of Islamic movements. This is one of the inalienable factors that gave rise to the construction of Muslim identity in the country.