One possible solution to the puzzle of how to conceptualize the complex interplay of pre-existing Islamic traditions, the influence of European intellectual discourses, and colonial administrative practices is to focus on the genealogy of intellectual traditions and administrative practices, i.e., the conditions of their emergence and transformation. The case of one particular transformation of popular festive traditions shows the novelty of the project of modern Islam which drew upon Islamic and European traditions, local and global power struggles without being reducible to any of its sources of inspiration.