Civil Society on the Move in Amsterdam: Mosque Organizations in the Slotervaart District

Mosques in the Netherlands, in addition to being places for religious gatherings and experience, are increasingly also becoming places where social activities are organized. The same development is observed in the rest of Europe. This phenomenon is examined in this article through a survey of four mosques and affiliated foundations in the civil society of the city district of Slotervaart in Amsterdam. The main questions addressed are: can these organizations be seen as voluntary associations that are a part of civil society? Are Muslims fulfilling their responsibility by voluntarily working for the benefit of the Muslim community through associations? After discussing the concept of civil society, and the relation between civil society and religion, the results of the research will be presented. It is a contested area in which these organizations find themselves, as is the dynamic character of civil society. Of central significance is the recognition of the responsibility that the board members and volunteers have in helping to solve the problems confronted by their community in Dutch society.