Religiosity and Social (in)tolerance in Daily Life: A Qualitative Study of Muslim Youth in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Religion plays an important role in shaping identity and developing relationships in countries like Pakistan where religio-political divisions are more prominent but this role of religion is multifaceted and contextual. This study explores the contextual role of religion in determining that how young Muslims use religion in their daily life and at the same time how religion modified their attitude towards religiously different people. This study employed qualitative research technique based on interpretivist ontology which is materialized through Phenomenological approach. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews by using semi structured interview guide from 24 undergraduate college students. The themes were detected by extracting codes based on six step thematic analysis method developed by Braun and Clarke’s (2006). In the thematic analysis two themes emerged. First, the participants considered religion as a framework for daily life, by using Islamic teachings as moral guidelines for financial dealings; Islam as motivating factor for personal decisions and relationships; source of empathy; while they showed a negotiating attitude towards dowry and customs of passage. Second, they also reported a pluralistic and adaptive religious perspective, where religion emphasis on moderation, contextual flexibility, open cognitive system and respect for diversity. The youth in Pakistan is at crossroads between the orthodox religious practices and modern realities of life, this tensive situation can create inclusion or exclusion attitude among the youth.