Education and Muslim Identity During a Time of Tension: Inside an American Islamic School

Education and Muslim Identity During a Time of Tension explores life inside an Islamic Center and school in present-day America.

Melanie Brooks’ work draws on in-depth discussions with community and school leaders, teachers, parents and students to present thoughtful and contemporary perspectives on many issues central to American-Muslim identities. Particularly poignant are the children’s voices, as they discuss their developing identities and how they navigate the choice of being American, Muslim, or both. The book covers topics ranging from establishing the community and the considerations involved, the management of diversity within the community, and approaches to modern opinions on and experiences of gender and extremism in the western world.

Based on focus groups, interviews and observations collected over a two-year period, this book serves as a fascinating and informative insight into the culture and experiences of modern American Muslims. This is essential reading for students and researchers interested in education, religion, politics, sociology, and most particularly in contemporary Islamic studies.

Melanie C. Brooks is Senior Lecturer of Educational Policy at Monash University, Australia. She is a J. William Fulbright Senior Scholar alumnus who has conducted studies in the United States, Egypt, Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Her research focuses on contemporary issues influencing educational leadership and the unique role religion plays in education.