An examination of the place of religion, especially Islam, in political and
cultural life took on a special urgency after the events of 9/11. The essays in
this volume concentrate on the way that Islam impacts on the everyday lives of
people who reside in societies where Islam plays a large part. The relationship
between Islam and women has always been seen as problematic, and by highlighting
women s negotiations with this religion, this volume seeks to understand the
many and various strategies and connections that are made, and their political
and cultural ramifications.
By keeping an Asian focus, the authors also seek to understand the