The rise and role of tariqa among Muslims in Singapore - The case of the Naqshbandi Haqqani

Abstract

This thesis seeks to account for the recent revival of tariqa among Muslims in Singapore, through the case study of the Naqshbandi Haqqani. In doing so, it aims to situate the tariqa within a theoretical framework of social movement organizations (SMOs). Two factors which facilitate social movements, i.e. opportunity structures and frame resonance, are explored.

This thesis also aims to surface the agency of religious membership. Contrary to popular perception of the insularity and conservatism of Muslims and Islam in Singapore, this thesis teases out the discretionary influences to one's voluntary membership to a religious association. These concerns are often 'rational' in nature such as the use of language and new media. They also function as sites of resistance against the boundedness of the ethnic-religious identity of the Malay/Muslim, while negotiating it against the fluidity of trans-national religious experience.

This thesis ends with a discussion on the future of religious experience among Muslims in Singapore, pointing to the interplay of dynamics between globalization, opportunity structures, social class and the emerging transnational religious market. Religious experiences are not static and will continue to change in the fuure. The speed and rate of change is undoubtedly faster today than a century ago. This thesis is a modest attempt at exploring the patterns of change and proposes for a resolute intent towards the scientific study of Islam in Singapore.