Observing the Observer. The State of Islamic Studies in American Universities

The State of Islamic Studies in American Universities over the last few decades the has seen significant growth in the study of Islam and Islamic societies in institutions of higher learning, fuelled primarily by events including economic relations of the U.S. with Muslim countries, migration of Muslims into the country, conversion of Americans to Islam and US interests in Arab oil resources, involvement of Muslims in the American public square, and the tragic events of 9/11. Although there is increasing recognition that the study of Islam and the role of Muslims is strategically essential in a climate of global integration, multiculturalism, and political turmoil, nevertheless, the state of Islamic Studies in America is far from satisfactory. The issue needs to be addressed, particularly, as the need for intelligent debate and understanding is continuously stifled by fly-by journalists, think tank pundits, and cut and paste experts. Includes papers by Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Anouar Majid and Marcia Hermansen