The 3rd Warwick Islamic Education Summer School took place between 03-05 September 2018.

The Annual CES/WRERU Islamic Education Summer Schools facilitate formation of a thriving international learning community.

The 3rd Warwick Islamic Education Summer School brought together an enthusiastic group of researchers, practitioners, and community activists representing diverse social, national, educational and linguistic traditions for three days of presentations, workshops and discussions.

25 international delegates travelled to Warwick for the 3rd Warwick Islamic Education Summer School. Participants in this year’s summer school discussed Muslim female faith and educational leadership within the context of contemporary Muslim minority and majority societies.

Dr Abdullah Sahin, was joined by two colleagues in convening this year’s summer school: Fatimah Ashrif of Rumi’s Circle and Elif Medeni, Director of Islamic Institute at the University College of Teacher Education in Vienna, Austria.

Dr Sahin said: “Each year the Islamic Education Summer School brings together a community of practitioners and researchers from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, interested in exploring issues related to education, Islam and Muslims within the context of contemporary and historical Muslim societies.”

Formal presentations explored the theological, cultural, socioeconomic and political dynamics informing the gender inequality and lack of female leadership in educational and religious institutions in Muslim minority and majority societies. Young researchers appreciated the opportunity to receive detailed feedback from senior academics and scholars.

Delegates also took part in practical workshops and case studies exploring the nature of female spirituality in Islam, the role of gender in reading sacred texts, under representation of Muslim female academics in the higher education, recent developments in mainstreaming female teacher education in western Europe and diverse grassroots initiatives led by young Muslim females to empower, build resilience, educational and social capital to engage with the various challenges facing Muslim women in the modern world.

The Summer School also celebrated the launch of Dr Bill Gent’s book on Madrassah Education, Muslim Supplementary Classes & Their Place in the Wider Learning Community: a Redbridge-based study, and enjoyed a special performance by the Khayaal Theatre Company, the first dedicated producer of professional English language theatre inspired by Muslim world culture and heritage, that celebrated the art of female story telling in diverse Muslim cultures.

Dr Sahin added: “In reviving the Muslim educational tradition of ‘taaruf’ - openness to learning from one another - the Summer School facilitates a collegial academic space as well as an excellent networking opportunity for the participants. The delegates enjoyed being part of an open, inclusive and engaging conversation that all wished to carry it further.

“We thank all delegates, colleagues at WRERU and the CES administration, research and academic staff who have contributed to the Summer School.”

The Warwick Islamic Education Project is generously supported by the Randeree Charitable Trust.