Intergenerational Transformation of Religious Practices in a Diasporic Setting: The Case of the Patani Community in Mecca (1950s - 2010s)

Resulting from ancient pilgrimage networks and the outcome of the Patani Kingdom's decline in the eighteenth century, the Patani community from Southern Thailand has had a longstanding presence in Islam's Holy City. This community grew and became particularly well established in the aftermath of the discovery of oil in twentieth century Saudi Arabia. Currently, there are more than 200 Patani families in Mecca's Ajyad district alone. Historically, Patani Muslims are Sufi and Shafiʿi in their religious orientation. This thesis will examine the interrelation between Islamic modes of reasoning and the social, cultural and political contexts in which these modes of reasoning occur. It will look at the intergenerational transformation of religious practice among Patani-Meccans from the 1950s to the 2010s. It will show how the practices and beliefs of first generation Patanis are being challenged by the new generations born and socialized in Saudi Arabia. Drawing on fieldwork and interviews, it argues that each generation developed distinctive strategies to reconcile the Salafi-Wahhabi Saudi context. Additionally, it argues that the social meaning of statements or arguments about the Islamic tradition has new meanings for each generation because they are made in a specific context throughout the three generations.