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Published 15-12-2008
ISBN 9780522859201
Pages 128
Subjects Islam Age groups: adolescents Islamic law Educational: Religious studies: Islam
Imprint

Islam and the Question of Reform

Ben Macqueen, Kylie Baxter, and Rebecca Barlow

Formats

Paperback Hardback eBook
Share
Published 15-12-2008
ISBN 9780522859201
Pages 128
Subjects Islam Age groups: adolescents Islamic law Educational: Religious studies: Islam
Imprint

Islam and the Question of Reform is an engaging book about the evolving and dynamic discourse that surrounds the question of Islamic reform.

Reform, by definition, is not a complete break with tradition, but a determination by scholars, activists, politicians and critical thinkers to re-claim the tenets of their faith. Muslim communities have historically displayed a tendency to preserve the status quo. By contrast, the individuals and movements in Islam and the Question of Reform are determined; often at great personal risk; to push aside existing political and social elites and the historically accepted interpretations of Islam and its place in society. The perspectives examined in this volume avoid superficial or apologetic examinations of Islam's political and social role. Instead, they meticulously scrutinise the religion's public role, often questioning the validity of dogmas that have acted as tools of empowerment for existing elites for centuries. Islamic Studies Series - Volume 1

Dr Benjamin MacQueen is a lecturer in the School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University. He has published widely on issues dealing with Middle Eastern politics, conflict resolution, and US foreign policy and democracy promotion in the Middle East. He is co-editor of Islam and the Question of Reform with Kylie Baxter and Rebecca…

Kylie Baxter received her PhD from Monash University in 2008, and has published widely on Western Muslim communities and the utilisation of Islamist theory by organisations based in the West. Currently, her research focuses on Middle Eastern politics and international Islamism. She is the author of US Foreign Policy in the Middle East: The Rise…

Rebecca L Barlow is a Research Associate for the Asia Institute at the University of Melbourne. She has worked as a researcher and associate lecturer for both the University of Melbourne and Monash University since 2006. In 2007 she was selected to attend the Nobel Women's Initiative's first international conference, Women Redefining Peace in the…