Islam and education : conflict and conformity in Pakistan's Madrassahs

Islamic educational institutions have come under intense public scrutiny in recent years because of their perceived linkage to militancy. However, much of the research thus far has relied upon anecdotal accounts and investigative journalism. In particular, Pakistani madrassahs (or seminaries),have been the focus of much media coverage. This book aims to provide an empirically grounded analysis of madrassahs in Pakistan, thereby informing the larger discussion of the role of Islamic education in conflict causality. Unlike earlier books that have focused primarily on the curriculum ofmadrassahs, this manuscript provides a comprehensive examination of Islamic education as an integrated social movement.The ultimate aim of this study is to prevent the escalation of existing regional conflicts as well as the perceived conflict between Islam and the West, while providing guidance to policy makers regarding their attempts to reform educational institutions.… (more)