Faith and Finance: Being and Becoming Muslim in the Global Economy

It may seem surprising, but practicing Islam in contemporary Amman, Jordan, is difficult. Working and producing as an authentic Muslim, comporting oneself in an Islamically-appropriate way in the globalized economy, and integrating one’s personal piety into consumption choices are all challenging. How do middle-class Muslims in Amman navigate these economic demands in a distinctly Islamic way? This presentation will introduce the ways in which Muslims in Amman create meaning and authenticity in their economic practice and personal piety during Ramadan, with the hijab or headscarf, and in banking and finance. Ultimately, this presentation will demonstrate that Sharia, or Islamic Law, is both a tool and a standard against which Muslims in Amman measure their piety and entrench their economic positioning.

The talk is scheduled for Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. in President’s Dining Room.

Spring 2012 Faculty Lunch Talks schedule (pdf)

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