Education Transformation in Muslim Societies

Education Transformation in Muslim Societies: A Discourse of Hope edited by Ilham Nasser is both poetic and practical.  Focusing on the idealism of hope, this timely volume is a powerful book in these uncertain times. Grounding it in the context of the Muslim societies, the book centers the value and virtue of hope with one of the world's most diverse population's that are often misunderstood and misrepresented.  Taking a global approach prompts us to remember that hope should be a vital component of education in every corner of the world.  The book also reminds readers to remember and celebrate the transformative power of education as a force for good. A critical, thoughtful, and much-needed volume!

-- Supriya Baily, George Mason University

This book contributes to deconstructing the current educational paradigm in Muslim societies, which is based on a discourse of deficit, to reconstructing one which builds on, and integrates, the existing strengths of youth knowledge, emotions and faith. As such, this is both pathbreaking and necessary, innovative as well as wise. A must-read.

-- Azza Karam, Religions for Peace

This is an educationally significant book on Muslim education that brings not only notions of transformation, critical action, and hope into dialogical conversation but it equally advances a non-instrumental idea of education. The central thoughts on Muslim education espoused throughout this book exemplify education as dynamic, flexible, and open-ended by inviting readers to experiment with ideas that may inspire innovative, changed, and hope-full ways of thinking and doing with/in education. Ilham Nasser and her colleagues should be commended for expanding a vision of Muslim education beyond the personal, social, and political towards forms of educational life unconstrained by the dominant outcome-driven approach to education. In many ways, the anthology of essays in this book not only questions current understandings of Muslim education but urges its readers to (re)think more radically what it means to bring critical hope to societies.     

-- Yusef Waghid, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Af