ABSTRACT
Comparative perspectives are important for better understanding of supranational phenomena. The increasing number of Muslims in European countries is one example of this. This book distinguishes between (1) IRE in state schools, (2) IRE in state-funded Islamic schools, and (3) education about Islam as part of a non-confessional, integrative subject. This chapter makes a comparison between Cyprus, the Netherlands, and Denmark, one country from each category. What these countries have in common is that Islam is the most rapidly growing minority religion, that this is causing public concern, and that there is a need to educate better about Islam. Since being stuck in old educational structures is a major obstacle to addressing this present need for Islamic literacy, the author recommends a combination of concerns for national traditions with greater international awareness, acknowledging Islam as a complex, evolving global tradition, worthy of high-quality education.
