Diverse Narratives and Shared Beliefs: Classical to Hybrid Deoband Islam in South Asia

This book delves into the intricate tapestry of Deoband Islam in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Challenging simplistic narratives, it unveils the nuanced reality of Deoband Islam, revealing a diverse range of perspectives within the movement. It illuminates the movement’s historical, social, and philosophical dimensions. It explores the movement’s relationship with societal transformation and communal identity and its impact on the geopolitical dynamics of South Asia.

The book offers a distinctive perspective on the Deoband school of thought in Islam by systematically categorising it into three distinct regional variants, each reflecting the unique socio-political context of its environment. The focus is on the Deoband school of thought, a strand within Sunni Islam that adheres to the philosophical framework of Ashari Maturidi. Critically examining its teachings uncovers the complexities and contradictions that shape Deobandi’s thought, challenging popular assumptions and providing a fresh understanding. It also highlights the voices of Deobandi scholars and organisations who unequivocally denounce terrorism and actively work to counter radicalisation. Acknowledging their efforts, the book underscores the potential for dialogue and cooperation in promoting peace and understanding.

With its comprehensive approach and thought-provoking analysis, this book is essential for scholars, policymakers, political science departments, theology, sociology, international relations, security studies, and South Asian studies.

Soumya Awasthi is a renowned scholar in terrorism, geopolitics, and international relations. Her doctoral research explores the impact of religious ideologies on the geopolitics of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, supported by fieldwork in Afghanistan and Deoband, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. She holds an MPhil focused on India’s civil-military relations and defence procurements. Dr. Awasthi is the author of Compendium on Terror Groups and Tracing the Journey of India’s Defence Budget and editor of India’s Nuclear Titans: Biographical Tales. Currently a Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation, Delhi, her work also encompasses tech-driven terrorism and de-radicalisation, solidifying her as a key voice in global security discourse.