State Accommodation of Islamic Education: Review of Policy Frameworks

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline the major policy frameworks through which settings of religious education in general, and Islamic education in particular, are accommodated in public school systems, mainly in European contexts. To do so, the paper reviews the literature on religious education, seeking a better understanding of the contested place of religion in public spheres and policies, and mapping out the various models of religious education in modern nation-states. Specifically, the paper argues that the existing state accommodation policies are grounded in the history of church-state relations, as reflected in constitutional provisions and governmental policies. Furthermore, the paper argues that state accommodation policies are, for the most part, directed to enhance integration and social cohesion, but not necessarily to develop a Muslim identity that is part and parcel of Europe’s national contexts.