Ethnographies of Muslim Community Formation: Education, State, and Traditions in Global Perspective.

The article discusses a forum that critically engages with three recent books focusing on Muslim intellectual culture, social action, and identity in different sociopolitical contexts: "Read in the Name of Your Lord: Islamic Literacy Development in Revolutionary Egypt" by Nermeen Mouftah, "Fraternal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Religious Studies Review (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) Vol. 51; no. 2; pp. 361 - 373
Main Authors: AbdoulKarim, Iman, Howe, Justine, Mouftah, Nermeen, Wesselhoeft, Kirsten, Wortmann, Kimberly
Format: Article
Published: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Jun2025
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Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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Summary:The article discusses a forum that critically engages with three recent books focusing on Muslim intellectual culture, social action, and identity in different sociopolitical contexts: "Read in the Name of Your Lord: Islamic Literacy Development in Revolutionary Egypt" by Nermeen Mouftah, "Fraternal Critique: The Politics of Muslim Community in France" by Kirsten Wesselhoeft, and "Society of the Righteous: Ibadhi Muslim Identity and Transnationalism in Tanzania" by Kimberly Wortmann. Each book employs qualitative research to explore the dynamics of Islamic education and community politics, highlighting how Muslim communities navigate identity, educational reforms, and state relationships. The authors collectively emphasize the importance of debate and critique in fostering community cohesion and resilience, while also addressing the challenges posed by state policies and historical legacies. The forum illustrates the interconnectedness of these themes across different regions, offering insights into contemporary Muslim life and the complexities of belonging within diverse contexts.