Shiite Arabs in Russia: the Problem of Formation of Identity Levels

The discourse on identity emerged at the beginning of the 20th century. It has since produced a vast array of literature and maintained a few academic careers worldwide. However, there is a very limited number of studies concentrating on the identity of Muslim Arabs in Russia. There are especially no recent studies exploring the subject of Moscow Shiite Muslims who came from the Middle East, the minority of the Muslim community in the majority of countries. This paper aims to deepen knowledge and understanding of the subject. In our work, we will address the following research question: what are the main differences between Shiite Arabs identity as their nationality and as a person who confess Islam? The basis of this study is an interdisciplinary approach. It combines the methodology of sociological, anthropological and oriental studies. Our preliminary results will highlight the importance of religious identity to Shiite Muslims in Moscow and its prevalence over the national one. Albeit they set a religious majority in a home environment and had to change it to the status of a religious minority in Moscow, they have not made any changes in habits. The outcomes of our study may help Russian and foreign scholars to establish a new basement for further research of the Shiite Muslim community in Russia.