Routledge Muslims and Crime: A Comparative Study

In the aftermath of 9/11 a critical analysis of offending and victimisation of Asian Muslims is desperately required. Muslims and Crime addresses this need by means of a comparative criminological evaluation of British and Pakistani South Asian Muslims. In addition to providing a succinct review of contemporary studies in the field, Muzammil Quraishi evaluates issues of offending and victimization amongst South Asian Muslims; develops an understanding of Islamic criminal law and its influence on crime and social control by means of a comparative evaluation between Britain and Pakistan; explores the nature of Islamophobia and its impact on South Asian Muslims in Britain and Pakistan; explores the American 'Critical Race Theory' perspective within British and Pakistani contexts; and examines the construction of racial stereotypes during colonial encounters and how far these may be traced into the post-colonial social terrain. The book will interest academics in sociology, criminology, race and ethnicity, and law. The themes explored will also be of significant interest to practitioners within criminal justice institutions. Review ’There has never been a more opportune time for a scholarly study of Muslims as victims and perpetrators of crime. The comparative focus on particular communities in Britain and Pakistan makes Dr Quraishi's findings especially interesting and valuable. His combination of legal and criminological perspectives not only throws fresh light on important issues but also leads to sensible policy recommendations. This is why his book will appeal to many readers.’ James A. Beckford, University of Warwick, UK ’Dr Quraishi's work comes at an important time, when policy makers are increasingly acknowledging the importance of faith identities in general, and Muslim identities in particular, in relation to crime and victimisation. The events of September 11th 2001 and the more recent bombings in London in July 2005 have focused attention upon Muslim communities, and so this book makes a significant contribution to key issues in relation to Islam as an identity marker, and crime, deviance and victimisation in Britain and Pakistan.’ Basia Spalek, University of Birmingham, UK ’...this thoughtful contribution sets out from the very beginning to draw upon a wealth of sociological insight, criminological theory, political precedent and historical artefact to examine both instances of offending and victimization amongst South Asian Muslims in Britain and Pakistan...the interdisciplinary focus of the book serves as an asset and strength in making an intellectual contribution that will be of interest to academics in sociology, criminology, race and ethnicity, and law practitioners within criminal justice institutions amongst others.’ The Maghreb Review '...a most welcome publication...the author has initiated research on a problem of great global importance in the post-9/11 era.' International Criminal Justice Review 'Quraishi's research, in acknowledging the relevance of faith identity, in particular Muslim identity, to the ways in which people experience crime...is no About the Author Dr Muzammil Quraishi is Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Criminology Programme Leader for ESPaCH at the University of Salford, UK.