The muslim malay diaspora in Canada: A Case of Muslim agency and global civility

The thesis examines the theoretical framework of transterritoriality and global civil society, and how they are manifested in preformative agency, locally and globally through the ethnographic study of a small groups of a Muslim Malay Canadian diaspora residing in Ontario, Canada. The study explores the negotiations of the normative discourses of tradition and religion in shaping the identities of members of the community in fighting for their recognition as a Muslim Asian minority in Canada. The ethnography suggests that there is a a tug war between adopting transterritorial ideals of global trends yet a need for stability and home making through territoriality. This happens as diasporas redefine their traditions that accompanies them in a new homeland. In addition, to highlighting the role religion plays in grounding the community in the face of cultural ordeals. Thus, introducing through a transmodern theoretical framework, the role the discursive tradition of adab plays in affecting the civil conduct of the diaspora as members of a global civil society.