Chapter 2: Muslim Cosmopolitanisms and Education in Southeast Asia: Philosophies, Universalities, Polarities, and Opportunities

This chapter focuses on how the broad spectrum of Muslim cosmopolitanisms in Southeast Asia intersects with the education of Muslims in this subregion. Drawing on empirical studies and reviews of literature, the author describes the various philosophies at play and analyzes parts of these philosophies that are universal and those that are polarized. He discusses the implications of these universalities and polarities and contends that opportunities for greater global solidarity can be realized through educational collaborations based on the universalities. The chapter’s theoretical perspective highlights cosmopolitanism in a transnational world. The chapter argues that cosmopolitan interpretations of Islam are largely congruent with core teachings of Islam found in the Quran, focusing specifically on three concepts: ummah (nation), khilafah (representation), ta’aruf (mutual understanding).