In the Name of the Prophet? Danish Muslim Mobilization During the Muhammad Caricatures Controversy

Abstract

The twelve Muhammad caricatures published in September 2005 led to unforeseen Muslim mobilization and claim making in Denmark. Several academics, public intellectuals, and politicians have explained this by referring to the caricatures as the culmination of an existing Islamophobic climate in Denmark. The caricatures were the straw that broke the camel's back anti Danish Muslims, thus, were bound to react to the imposed grievances. Such socio-psychological arguments require further investigation as to (1) how this unforeseen large and sustained Muslim mobilization in Denmark came about, and (2) why the Confrontation line of action was chosen by Danish Muslims on this occasion? In doing so, the article argues for a need to de-essentialize, de-exceptionalize and dynamisize the study of Muslim mobilization.