Social Policy and the Islamic World in Comparative Perspective: Taking Stock, Moving Forward

Abstract

This chapter offers a comparative perspective on the conceptual and practical linkages between social policy as a field of public practice and the subject focus of this volume which is the Muslim world. The primary focus on Islamic social welfare here is related to the importance given to social responsibility in the major world religions and the historic influence of religion on issues of social welfare action and care for the vulnerable. The chapter provides two case study illustrations: one about Muslim social welfare activism in the UK and one about Islamic social movements in Jerusalem. These serve to support the overarching argument which is that Islamic social welfare practices are not homogenous and it may be more apt to refer to ‘Muslim worlds’ to recognise the diverse range of actors and organisations in different parts of the world but also who have differing interpretations of the Muslim faith.