Why did the Bosniaks embrace Islam, unlike the Serbs and Croats?

Omer, Spahic (2024) Why did the Bosniaks embrace Islam, unlike the Serbs and Croats? AL-ITQĀN: Journal of Islamic Sciences and Comparative Studies, 9 (1). pp. 41-71. E-ISSN 2600-8432

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Abstract

This article discusses the reasons, why, unlike their Serb and Croat neighbors, the Bosniaks embraced Islam. Though somewhat gradual, the process was both collective and earnest, amounting to a phenomenon rarely witnessed in the latter periods of Islamic civilization in general, and the expansion of the Ottoman Caliphate in particular. Different scholars have provided different perspectives on the enduring mystery. However, as religion has been politicized and nationalized in the Balkan region, and politics and nationalism have become intertwined with religion, the task of reconciling conflicting perspectives and establishing the truth has become increasingly complex. This article posits that, besides, several secondary socio-political and economic factors, religion was the primary driver behind the conversion of the Bosniaks. The unique faith and rituals of the Patarens in Bosnia, along with their Bosnian Church, had a notable impact on a large number of Bosniaks, including those in positions of power and authority. The Bosniaks were distinguished by their inclination towards openness, inquisitiveness, and pursuit of truth, unlike the Serbs and Croats who often let ethno-nationalism and faith-based chauvinism shape their religious and socio-cultural choices. A research methodology that integrates descriptive, interpretative, and analytical historical methods is employed in the entire work.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Bosniaks, Islam, Patarens, Bogomilism, Serbs, Croats
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP170.8 Universality of Islam
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of History & Civilization Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Omer Spahic
Date Deposited:	08 Oct 2024 10:59
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2024 10:59
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/114900

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