Muslim Education Reform: Prioritizing Empathy and Philanthropic Acts

Abstract:This article argues that third space education reform can be a bridge to Muslim traditions of philanthropy and empathy (one form of which is compassion). By connecting education reform efforts to Muslim tradition, reformers will have greater success due to buy-in from local Muslim populations. By examining primary sources of Islam and using social scientific research on empathy, this article examines the importance of philanthropy in Islam, the intersection of traditional philanthropy and education reform in Muslim societies, and the role of empathy in education. This article links education reform and the science of empathy to further education in Muslim contexts. The authors conclude that reformers should approach education reform in Muslim societies from an empathic and third space lens.