Conducting Research on Muslims

Abstract

The aim of the special section in this issue is to identify and examine methodological opportunities for conducting research on Muslims, while also noting challenges and uncertainties. The focus is on methodological and ethical challenges encountered while conducting both qualitative and quantitative research in increasingly unstable socio-political environments. The section examines how researchers address such challenges, and brings together scholars whose research involves studying aspects of Muslim politics from various disciplinary backgrounds. The objective is to identify ethical and practical challenges involved in studying Islam, share insights and experiences of researchers from the Middle East and North Africa, and develop improved techniques to collect good quality data from Muslim groups and societies. The overall aim is arrive at a better understanding of the ethics, politics, and responsibilities involved in studying Islam and Muslims in our age: one characterized by a defiant and resurgent faith.