Whose Islam?: The Western University and Modern Islamic Thought in Indonesia

Megan Brankley Abbas argues that the Western university has become a significant space for producing Islamic knowledge and Muslim religious authority, leading to the forging of powerful transnational networks and the disruption of prevailing modes of authority.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 280 pages
\n Publication date: 08 June 2021
\n Publisher: Stanford University Press
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In this groundbreaking new book, Megan Brankley Abbas delves into the profound transformation of the Western university as a central hub for the production and dissemination of Islamic knowledge and Muslim religious authority. For generations, Indonesia's foremost Muslim leaders have pursued their education in esteemed Middle Eastern madrasas or the region's own Islamic schools. However, starting in the mid-twentieth century, a significant number of these leaders began traveling to the West to deepen their understanding of Islam, ultimately returning home to assume influential political and religious positions.

Whose Islam? takes a comprehensive look at the far-reaching consequences of this shift for major Muslim communities and the academic field of Islamic studies. As Abbas meticulously reveals, this intricate interplay between Western academia and Indonesian Islam has not only established robust transnational networks but has also challenged established modes of authority in both spheres. For Muslim intellectuals, studying Islam in Western universities offers a platform to explore academic disciplines, reimagine their faith, and engage in critical dialogue. However, it also raises poignant concerns about the potential erosion of Islamic traditions in the face of Western influence.

On the other hand, Western academics find themselves grappling with ethical dilemmas as they navigate their roles in the global politics of development and Islamic religious reform. These connections raise urgent questions about their responsibility in shaping the discourse surrounding Islam and its relationship with the West. Through extensive archival research spanning various regions, Whose Islam? offers a unique and insightful perspective on the perennial tensions between insiders and outsiders in the field of religious studies.

This book is a vital contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics between religion, academia, and global politics, shedding light on the ways in which the West and Islam are intertwined and shaping each other in profound ways. It will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policymakers alike, as it provides valuable insights into the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding the intersection of Islam and the West.

\n Weight: 428g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781503627932\n \n