Interpretations of al-wala’ wa-l-bara’ in Everyday Lives of Salafis in Germany

Abstract

Salafis’ everyday lives, social relations, and attitudes towards both Muslims and non-Muslims are often shaped implicitly or explicitly by the theological concept of al-wala’ wa-l-bara’ (“loyalty and disavowal”). It indicates whom to be loyal to on the one hand, and whom to disavow on the other hand—or from which persons, deeds, and practices one should distance oneself. However, within the highly heterogeneous spectrum of Salafi orientations, beliefs, and religious practices, interpretations of al-wala’ and al-bara’ differ as well as its actual relevance and its implications for concrete life situations. This article explores how Muslims in Germany who identify themselves with non-violent, so-called ‘purist Salafism’ perceive and practice social relations, social closeness, or separation in their everyday lives by drawing implicitly or explicitly on principles of loyalty and disavowal. Based on qualitative interviews and participant observations (data gathered between 2014 and 2018), we shed light on how individuals’ ideas of loyalty and disavowal intersect with issues of identity, belonging, inclusion, and exclusion. The article thus shows how local interpretations and implementations of a Salafi core concept are strongly interwoven with realities of everyday life.

Arrival of legal Salafism and struggle for recognition in Germany—reflection and adaptation processes within the German da'wa movement between 2001 and 2022

“…But if you touch a non-Muslim's heart, he will not buy the tabloid and might even defend us in public." Critical reflections within segments of the Salafi movement in Germany regarding the effectiveness of public provocations have been occasionally documented in earlier studies (Damir-Geilsdorf et al, 2018), which is connected to the emergence of legal Salafism in the final section of this article.…”

What about a sister wife? Reasons for considering polygyny among Salafis in Switzerland

“…As Swiss Salafis are not unfamiliar with the idea of intense love being a form of idolatry, their intuitions fit perfectly into Lindholm's idea of love being connected to the sacred sphere. 14 The concrete interpretation of the religious concept of al-wala' wa-l-bara' (loyalty and disavowal) poses challenges to many Salafis living in societies where the majority does not share their faith (see Wagemakers, 2014;Damir-Geilsdorf et al, 2019). 15 Examples of Salafi arguments supporting his viewpoint can be found on abukhadeejah.…”

Anthropological Knowledge and Power Relations

“…19 Vgl. auch de Koning (2013a), Damir-Geilsdorf et al (2019). Solche Reglements betreffen zum Beispiel Freundschaften zu Nichtmuslimen oder das Beten neben salafitischen Personen einer abweichenden Glaubens praxis als der eigenen.…”