Migrant Sunni Imams in Athens, Greece: Frames of Identity, Religion, and Ideology

Abstract This paper researches how migrant Sunni imams in Athens, Greece, perceive and express their identity, religion, and ideology. It applies the notion of identity fields to explore how imams delineate in-group and out-group boundaries and the concept of core framing tasks to analyze how religious and ideological interpretations emerge in diagnoses, prognoses, and motivational appeals. It also compares the imams’ frames to those promoted by al-Qaeda (AQ) and Islamic State (IS). Based on semi-structured interviews with 11 imams, the study reveals that imams’ identity frames are shaped by organizational affiliations, personal ambitions, inter-group dynamics, and audience expectations. Diagnoses highlight practical challenges facing Muslim migrants, prognoses focus on piety, and motivational frames are primarily theological. The analysis finds no significant alignment with frames proffered by AQ and IS. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how religious leaders navigate their roles within migrant communities, balancing identity, ideology, and community needs.