Muslim Supplementary Classes: and their place within the wider learning community

Muslim Supplementary Classes presents one of the most significant pieces of ethnographic research of Muslims in Britain of recent decades. In this monograph, Gent’s research combines years of professional experience in education with a sensitivity towards one of the most time-honoured traditions of Muslim learning: the recitation and memorization of the Qur’an. Using sound methodology, Gent successfully navigates the often controversial arena of Muslim supplementary schooling in Britain with an integrity and sympathy that never compromises his academic rigour. The present work is of general interest and academic value, appealing to educationalists, sociologists and Muslim leaders alike; but also holds a particular significance for secular educators, who may be acquainted with, but little exposed to the world of Muslim education. At once timely and essential, the findings of this ground-breaking study will be of relevance for years to come. Contents Foreword xiii Preface xv Overview xix Acknowledgements xxi 1 The Context and Timeliness of this Research 1 2 Literature Review 21 3 Methodology 43 4 Case Study One: Life-story Images of Muslim Education 57 5 Case Study Two: The Life and Work of Balfour Road Maktab 69 6 Case Study Three: The Experience of Hifz Students at Balfour Road Maktab 79 7 Muslim Supplementary Classes Within the Wider Social and Educational Community 95 8 Overview, Conclusions and Recommendations 115 Glossary of Non-English Terms Used in the Text 125 Endnotes and Commentary 129 References  145 Appendix  159