Education of Religious Minorities in Muslim Countries

Abstract

Beginning with a description of the status of non-Muslims in Muslim spaces during the classical period, this chapter surveys current practices in education provision in Muslim-majority states for non-Muslims. Muslim majority states range from states that self-define as Islamic, to states where Islam is the established or state religion, to states that are officially or in practice secular. Opportunities for the education of non-Muslims ranges from no special state funded provision where all students receive the same education to the existence of some special provision – usually in religious education. Or, as in Pakistan, non-Muslims are offered an alternative to Islamic instruction, which is not specifically religious in nature. The first category may deliver secular education (with no religious instruction) or it may include instruction in Islam for all students, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. Non-Muslim communities often run their own education institutions, in some instances with state support. Muslims may attend these institutions, some of which are regarded as prestigious. Where there are larger non-Muslim populations as well as more religious diversity, special provision is almost always provided. Where there are officially no non-Muslims or where non-Muslims are very few (or are non-citizens) such as in Saudi Arabia and in the Gulf States, no provision exists. Systems of universal, free public education almost all began under colonial rule. Post-independence, secular systems left over from colonialism sometimes exist alongside distinctly Islamic schools, which may be privately funded or receive state funding.