The recent article published by Al Jazeera highlights a significant transformation in the religiosity of Arab youth in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, particularly following the events of October 7, 2023. Journalist Abdul Quddus Al-Hashemi conducted extensive interviews with young Arabs worldwide, revealing a shift from indifference to a heightened engagement with Islamic faith and practices. This shift is characterized by a growing trend among young people under 30 to embrace religion, as evidenced by a 2022 Arab Barometer Network survey indicating increased religious identification across several Arab nations including Tunisia, Egypt, and Jordan.
The article discusses the implications of this newfound religiosity, suggesting that it is less about collective ideologies and more focused on personal spirituality and well-being. Young people are increasingly viewing religion as a private matter rather than a political tool, which reflects a broader shift in the relationship between youth and religious practices. This trend is particularly notable in Tunisia, where a significant decrease in non-religious identification has been observed among the youth population. Moreover, the article emphasizes the role of social media in shaping these new patterns of religiosity, allowing for a more individualized and diverse understanding of faith.
Al-Hashemi's work sheds light on the complexities of this phenomenon, indicating that it does not represent a singular movement but rather a dynamic interplay of continuity and change in religious practices among Arab youth. The article concludes with an exploration of the potential political and social consequences of this shift, as well as the ongoing relevance of the Palestinian issue in shaping religious and political identities in the region.
