Maximising the overlapping area: multiculturalism and a Muslim identity for madrasahs in Singapore

This paper discusses the recent efforts by the Singapore government to construct a Muslim identity for the madrasahs in Singapore. By promoting a prescribed set of desired attributes for the Muslims and introducing new curriculum materials for the madrasahs, the government aspires to construct a Mus...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Tan, Charlene (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge 2009
In: Journal of beliefs and values
Year: 2009, Volume: 30, Issue: 1, Pages: 41-48
Further subjects:B Multiculturalism
B madrasahs
B Singapore
B Muslim Identity
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:This paper discusses the recent efforts by the Singapore government to construct a Muslim identity for the madrasahs in Singapore. By promoting a prescribed set of desired attributes for the Muslims and introducing new curriculum materials for the madrasahs, the government aspires to construct a Muslim identity that is compatible with the principle and practice of ‘hard multiculturalism’ in Singapore. Through a content analysis of the textbooks for Islamic Social Studies used at the primary level, this paper argues that the Muslim identity that is privileged by the state is one where a ‘good’ Muslim is a good citizen who: is well‐adjusted as a full member of a secular society; is enlightened and appreciates richness of other civilisations; is inclusive and practises pluralism; and is a blessing to other communities.
ISSN:1469-9362
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of beliefs and values
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/13617670902784535