There is an emerging need for redefining religious literacy for teachers in mainstream secondary schools in the United Kingdom (UK) where Religious Studies is part of the core curriculum. The research study draws upon careful observation and analysis of UK mainstream secondary school curricula about Islam and on the qualitative pieces of evidence…

This article examines the place of ijtihad in the British Religious Education curriculum. It argues that the concept should be taught to high school students earlier than A-Level. Knowledge of ijtihad enables students to understand diversity of thought and legal interpretation in Islam, and why different conclusions can be reached from the same or…

This article reports on the results of a mixed-methods survey of 152 self-selecting Muslim university students sampled across a range of higher education institutions across the UK in late 2019. The study explores perceptions of the impact of the new Prevent Duty among UK Muslim students, especially concerning questions of self-censorship and…

The Western seizure of 'legitimate' knowledge has been widely criticised and seen the growth of initiatives such as Decolonising the Curriculum Movement. Challenging Eurocentric knowledge has always been onerous, given its entanglement with power structures. Using semi-structured interviews with nine Muslim academics working in British academia…

This edited collection documents the experiences of Muslim students and staff in UK higher education (HE), including their expertise and experiences in teaching, scholarship, policy and academic transitions as professionals, academics and students. At a time when UK HE at large is attempting to redress myriad racial and social injustices, this…

The advancement of information technology has catalyzed the emergence of virtual exchanges, offering an alternative avenue for cross-cultural engagement without the necessity of physical travel abroad. This development suggests that virtual exchanges can reduce barriers to female participation while enhancing their proficiency in intercultural,…

In recent years, research into educational leadership has prompted growing appreciation for the critical role which both cultural and societal tenets can have in shaping school leadership approaches. With that in mind, this study examines a school leadership model grounded in Islamic values and beliefs. More specifically, this study attempts to…

Two recent reports suggest that Muslim students are experiencing increased levels of Islamophobia while studying at universities in the United Kingdom (UK). While so, the issue has attracted little scholarly investigation. Responding to this gap in the literature, this article sets out new and previously unpublished findings drawn from qualitative…

Maktab education serves many purposes. It provides the substantive knowledge thought to be compulsory for Muslim pupils. Its functional role is to enable them, through varied learning processes, to embody elements of their faith and live as Muslims. Hitherto, systematic attention to curricula in primary maktab education has been rare. This…

This article uses an Islamic lens to explore the question, "What are the identities, aspirations, and motivations for Pakistani and Muslim women learning English?" As Muslim women, the research participants had a strong allegiance to motherhood, with children being a motivating factor in learning English. This study explores how…

This article brings James Smith's three-volume "Cultural Liturgies" into dialogue with fieldwork in 'Midlands Madrasah', drawing out questions and points of discussion that are applicable to Christian education of children, especially within a church context. The article begins with an overview of madrasah education and the main…

This paper arises from our concerns regarding the documented increases in xenophobia in the UK and more widely around the world. This is evidenced by a rise in religiously motivated hate crimes, especially against Muslims and Jews. Our enquiry is into the potential religious education has to mitigate xenophobia and educational justification for it…

Statutory requirements for compulsory Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) in the UK is generating concern among many religious communities and reigniting debates about the purpose of School Based Sexuality Education (SBSE). Among the communities voicing their dissent are members of the British Islamic community. Quranic scripture deems…

This paper attends to the educational narratives of South Asian Muslim women who grew up in an inner city area. Using walking interviews, each individual took me around the neighbourhood where they grew up, identifying places of educational encounter on the way. There was a pertinent sense of a past that was in many ways, still present. Their…

Political conflicts propelled a wave of refugees that are seen as a force that threatens the stability of the UK and Western Europe. It has left many refugees bewildered and vulnerable in a transition to a new land, which may or may not cater to their cultural, religious, ethnic, and social needs. This paper examines the role of adult education in…