Islamic Educational Networks Between Singapore and the Middle East

Abstract

The exchange of ideas, books, goods and knowledge between the Middle East and Southeast Asia is a topic which demands further research. This paper attempts to look at the networks created by Islamic education between Egypt, and in particular al-Azhar University, and the Muslim community of Singapore. Since early times Singapore has played a significant role in controlling the pilgrimage industry and in forming a crucial link to the Middle East. Although the intensity of such networks may have decreased, this paper attempts to highlight this ongoing relationship and the impact of the religious schools in sending students to Cairo.