A recent publication by German anthropologist Amira Mittermeier, titled "Ninety-Nine," delves into the complex and multifaceted relationship between Egyptians and their perception of God. Through a series of conversations with over 100 Egyptians from diverse backgrounds, Mittermeier provides an intimate look at how the divine is understood and experienced in everyday life. The book is a result of her fieldwork and direct interactions with individuals from various social, educational, and age groups.
Mittermeier's work is not a theological discussion, but rather an exploration of how Egyptians perceive God in their daily lives. The conversations she had with her subjects reveal a wide range of perspectives, from the conservative and traditional to the spiritual and mystical. For instance, a young woman named Nadia in her twenties shared her feelings of closeness to God, but also expressed how she felt distant due to her perceived mistakes. Her narrative highlights the connection she makes between her behavior and her sense of divine proximity.
The book also features a conversation with a street vendor who represents the more vulnerable segments of society. His story illustrates how those who are struggling with poverty, illness, and hardship perceive God's justice, provision, and daily interventions in their lives. Additionally, Mittermeier spoke with a Sufi man who embodies the spiritual and mystical aspects of Egyptian religiosity. His narrative is characterized by a sense of divine love, mystical experiences, and the manifestation of God in the universe.
Mittermeier's conversations also included a homemaker who identifies as Salafi, representing a more conservative and traditional current in Egyptian Islam. Her perspective reflects a conventional understanding of God based on strict jurisprudential rulings, Halal and Haram, and the promise of immediate reward or punishment. The diversity of views presented in the book underscores the complexity of Egyptian religiosity and challenges the notion that there is a single, monolithic way of being pious.
One of the key takeaways from Mittermeier's research is that Egyptians' perceptions of God are multifaceted and context-dependent. The divine is often seen as a source of comfort, solace, and security in times of personal and national crisis. The book highlights how Egyptians' relationships with God are shaped by their experiences of hardship, struggle, and resilience. Mittermeier's work also suggests that Egyptian religiosity is characterized by a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
The author's findings also indicate that Egyptians do not necessarily adhere to a strict, literal interpretation of religious texts and teachings. Instead, they often engage in a more personal and pragmatic approach to their faith, which allows them to navigate the challenges of everyday life. This approach is reflected in the way Egyptians often invoke God's name in times of need, seeking protection, guidance, and solace.
Ultimately, Mittermeier's book offers a nuanced and insightful look at the complex and multifaceted nature of Egyptian religiosity. By exploring the diverse ways in which Egyptians perceive and experience the divine, the author provides a rich and textured portrait of faith in everyday life. The book is a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary Egyptian society and culture, and sheds new light on the intricate relationships between religion, identity, and everyday experience.
Key points
- The book "Ninety-Nine" by Amira Mittermeier explores the diverse ways in which Egyptians perceive and experience the divine.
- Egyptian religiosity is characterized by a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.
- The divine is often seen as a source of comfort, solace, and security in times of personal and national crisis.
