From Norm to Praxis

The aim of this project is the comprehensive investigation of religious concepts of order and their practical implementation in the diverse manifestations of the phenomena summarised under the name “Ṭālibān” in the Pashtun borderland between the present-day nation states of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Such a basic investigation on a significant Islamic actor in South and Central Asia has yet to be conducted; this serious research gap is to be closed both on the basis of a thorough reading of texts that have already been extensively collected in the four relevant languages Pashto, Urdu, Arabic and Persian (Dari) and – subject to their feasibility – through empirical research on site. The long-term goal is to write a corresponding research monograph in which the reflections on Islamic religiosity in the Pashtun border region that the applicant has made in numerous already published articles and, above all, in his current book manuscript, which has been contracted by Cambridge University Press, are to be continued.

Funding: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

Project leader: PD Dr. Jan-Peter Hartung

Duration: 01.11.2022 bis 31.10.2028