Living in an islamic style in Colombia: Expressions of a search for transcendence

Abstract

This article studies the reasons for a group of inhabitants in Bogota to "live an Islamic Lifestyle." The methodology consisted of open interviews and ethnographic observations both inside and outside of the religious congregation. The results show that the moral orientation as well as the alternative perspective of life stated in Islam is valued by the subjects who took part in the research, based on principles such as those of transcendence and acceptance. This interest in a religion that diverges from the traditional states a critique of modernity that goes beyond the liberal discourse.