The role of Muslim leadership in building identity and intercultural dialogue in Portugal: a case study

The predominant Muslim demographic in Portugal comprises individuals identifying with Sunni Islam, predominantly emanating from former Portuguese colonies such as Mozambique. The establishment of the Islamic Community of Lisbon (CIL) in the 1960s marked their organized presence, persisting to this day with a notable societal role. More recently, Lisbon has emerged as the focal point for the Ismailli community, hosting its international headquarters. Notably, Portugal distinguishes itself among European nations with a well-established and integrated Muslim community, contributing significantly to the fabric of a multicultural society. Previous studies have demonstrated that this integration is attributable to several factors. Firstly, the historical connection to former Portuguese colonies facilitated familiarity with the local culture. Secondly, the sheer numerical presence, estimated at approximately 100,000 Muslims, underscores their substantive societal footprint. Thirdly, linguistic compatibility, with many Muslims arriving already proficient in Portuguese, has expedited social inclusion. This paper seeks to explore the influence of leaderships in Portugal, specifically those of the Sunni and Ismailli communities as an additional determinant of integration. In a predominantly Catholic country, this study aims to unravel how these leaderships contribute to shaping the identity of Muslims and fostering intercultural dialogue. To achieve this, the research will plan to conduct approximately 20 semi-structured interviews with individuals from both Sunni and Ismailli backgrounds, employing categorical thematic analysis to glean insights. The anticipated outcomes hold significance in comprehending the nexus between leadership, integration, social cohesion, and intercultural dialogue, shedding light on how the Muslim identity in Portugal harmonizes its origins with the prevailing Portuguese and European cultural milieu.