Islamic Education, Diversity, and National Identity: Dini Madaris in India Post 9/11

For many centuries, Muslim religious educational institutions (known as dini madaris) have held an important position among educational institutions in the Indian subcontinent. However, after the 9/11 attacks in the USA and the subsequent declaration of the global ‘war on terrorism’, allegations against these institutions–about their being breeding ground for Muslim fundamentalists and terrorists–have dominated India’s media. The debates about these educational institutions primarily revolve around questions like: is there a link between madaris and violence, anti-national activities, or terrorism? How transparent are these alternative educational networks in terms of funding, spread, and patronage? What are the political implications of their educational system? Providing a variety of perspectives, this book addresses a number of important questions from various angles. The 12 original essays gathered here have been divided three parts: The first part discusses the phenomenon of dini madaris from a historical perspective, right from the late Mughal times till the end of the colonial period. Among the issues discussed are the evolution of syllabi and early attempts at reform. The second analyzes the dini madaris from a regional perspective, taking into account transnational linkages as well. The last part concentrates on current developments and draws insights mainly from recently conducted fieldwork. The contributors discuss crucial issues like gender and the role of the media in the aftermath of 9/11. The 12 essay is a factual activity from a devoted Muslim educationist. The volume concludes that dini madaris, contrary to their pubic image, are not essentially opposed to change, even though the framework for change appears to be limited. Bringing together Indian, British, and German scholars, and based on original and current research, this volume will be of considerable interest to those in the fields of history, social anthropology, Islamic studies, South Asian studies, political science, as well as to the general reader.