This empirically grounded volume argues for the importance and impact of teaching provision for classical Islamic Theology, and its potential impact and role in pluralist British society.

The Western world often fears many aspects of Islam, without the knowledge to move forward. On the other hand, there are sustained and complex debates within Islam about how to live in the modern world with faith. Alison Scott-Baumann and Sariya Contractor-Cheruvallil here propose solutions to both dilemmas, with a particular emphasis on the role of women. Challenging existing beliefs about Islam in Britain, this book offers a paradigm shift based on research conducted over 15 years. The educational needs within several groups of British Muslims were explored, resulting in the need to offer critical analysis of the provision for the study of classical Islamic Theology in Britain. Islamic Education in Britain responds to the dissatisfaction among many young Muslim men and women with the theological/secular split, and their desire for courses that provide combinations of these two strands of their lived experience as Muslim British citizens. Grounded in empirical research, the authors reach beyond the meta-narratives of secularization and orientalism to demonstrate the importance of the teaching and learning of classical Islamic studies for the promotion of reasoned dialogue, interfaith and intercultural understanding in pluralist British society.

"This book opens up new opportunities for research and practice towards understanding Islam in the British context, and marks a significant contribution for a wide audience of educational researchers, higher education stakeholders, and policymakers alike ... The language is accessible ... For academics, it remains an informative overview of Islamic education provision in the UK and offers a new approach to its challenges." - Journal of Beliefs and Values

"This book is a rich resource for understanding Islam in Britain from two authors with significant relevant research experience ... Scott-Baumann and Cheruvallil-Contractor make an important contribution to a conversation which needs to happen about education, Islam and Britain." - Theology Journal

"This is a book not just for educationalists, but anyone interested in obtaining a well-informed, nuanced view of an important aspect of British Muslim institutional life and the factors that motivate young Muslims to enroll in Islamic Studies courses." - Salaam: Muslims in Britain