This book shows how over the past forty years Islamic organisations in Western Switzerland
have established themselves and organised at both the cantonal and national levels. Based on
empirical obser- vations the chapters demonstrate that contrary to what is often believed
Islamic organisations do not focus their activities only on religious activities. Instead by
improving their deliberative practices they have facilitated cultural social and religious
activities while promoting social justice political recognition and equality of oppor- tunity
often with programs aiming at reaching beyond the Muslim audience. In particular the book
shows how these organisations have attempted to translate their religious worldview into
practices that align also with secular values allowing them to negotiate and build consensus
with public institutions to provide welfare services to both Muslim and non-Muslim populations
as well as programs to prevent radicalisation within a secular and democratic framework.
Through deliberative practices including youth organisations and umbrella Islamic
organisations these groups have found ways to overcome their lack of representation and power
in the political sphere. This book goes beyond specific cantonal cases to address broader
issues related to the social and cultural engagement of Isla- mic organisations in Switzerland
bridging the gap between Islamic studies and organisational network studies.