Introduction

Summary

The introduction provides a broad theoretical overview of the definition of a masjid as both an ambiguous space and a space distinct from the structural genre of the mosque. To this end, the masjid is defined as a space created through spiritual performance, and this definition is fleshed out over the course of this chapter through a series of targeted discussions. The first discussion addresses Islam’s long and diverse history on the continent and the histories, identities, and realities that have emerged over the course of its 1500-year existence on the continent. In this context, the idea of multiple “Islams” comes to the fore, focusing on the diverse identities Islam has come to occupy for different individuals and communities over time and space. This has resulted in multiple, diverse iterations of masjid space that are embedded in the specifics of their diverse contexts.