Questions over the compatibility of Islam and Human Rights have become a key area of debate in the perceived tensions between 'Islam and the West'. In many ways, discussion over the stance of Islam in relation to such factors as gender rights, religious freedom, social and political freedoms, and other related issues represents a microcosm of the broader experience of how Muslim and 'Western' communities interact and relate.This volume seeks to engage with the various debates surrounding Islam and Human Rights, in particular, challenging assumptions of a 'standard' or 'essential' Muslim perspective on Human Rights. Through a survey of the experiences of Muslim communities across the globe (the ummah), this volume highlights the dynamic way Muslims understand and incorporate Human Rights into their personal, social and political experiences.From conceptual discussions on the issues of gender rights and religious freedom, to examining Muslim communities from South East Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, leading global experts bring forth key insights into the way in which Muslim communities live and experience Human Rights. The potential for deeper engagement with this issue is critical, as it opens possibilities for more profound understanding and tolerance.

1. Introduction Shahram Akbarzadeh & Benjamin MacQueen 2. The Reformulation of Islamic Thought on Gender Rights and Roles Ann Elizabeth Mayer 3. The Contribution of Secular-Oriented Strategies to the Quest for Women's Human Rights in the Islamic Republic Rebecca Barlow 4. Islamic Reformism and Human Rights in Iraq: Gender Equality and Religious Freedom Benjamin MacQueen & Shahram Akbarzadeh 5. The Reluctant Partnership between the Muslim Brotherhood and Human Rights NGOs in Egypt Benjamin MacQueen 6. Human Rights in Afghanistan William Maley 7. Competing Domains of Control: Islam and Human Rights in Malaysia Shamsul Amri Bin Baharuddin 8. Muslims in Malaysia, Notions of Human Rights Reform, and their Contexts Patricia Martinez 9. Indonesian Islamist Perspectives on Human Rights Greg Fealy