Routledge Islam and Higher Education: Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities (Routledge Contemporary South Asia Series)

This book is the first study to qualitatively explore the concepts of higher education in Muslim contexts. It examines the different concepts of ‘a university’ and the way they shape practice in Muslim contexts, with a particular focus on the Islamic republic of Pakistan. Contributing to theoretical debates and discussing practical challenges that universities in Muslim countries face, the author analyses seven higher education institutions in Pakistan. She argues that there is a need for institutions to constantly review their mission and aims and objectives in light of the wider economic, political, and socio-cultural and religious development of a society. The book reviews the history of higher education institutions and examines opportunities for some Pakistani universities, to become centres of excellence in the future. This is subject to adequate support from the government, industries, philanthropists and the society at large. In return, these universities would have to cater to the needs of the society, from basic needs in the areas of health and education to science and technology. Islam and Higher Education breaks new grounds in the field of higher education in Muslim contexts and will be of interest to researchers in the fields of comparative education and Islamic Studies. Review […] This book responds to recent developments and debates in order to foster an awareness that is both beneficial and illuminating to the higher education community […] Presenting diverse and often competing views on all aspects of higher learning, this book will be a good reference tool for students and scholars of political science, Islamic studies, South Asian studies, comparative education, and culture and society. The volume gives insight into an ongoing process that is often regarded as "complete" in Europe and in the United States of America and provides a model for (developing) Muslim nations elsewhere to adopt and follow. Overall, the book offers the reader a good resource that serves as a reference for scholars interested in education and the politics of education. Its chapter separation works well to offer the reader a simple guide to follow, with information relatively easy to find. The book will serve students from different backgrounds as well as help researchers with case studies on Pakistan, education and Islamic studies. Laurens de Rooij Durham University Journal of International and Global Studies Vol 6, No 2 April 2015 About the Author Marodsilton Muborakshoeva is a Lecturer of the Secondary Teacher Education Program, a joint programme of the Institute of Ismaili Studies and the Institute of Education, University of London, UK. Her research interest are the history and philosophy of higher education, comparative education, education in the developing world, teacher education, research methods and Islamic studies.