Islamic Religious Schools, Madrasas: Background

Abstract

Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Islamic religious schools
\nknown as madrasas (or madrassahs) in the Middle East, Central, and Southeast Asia
\nhave been of increasing interest to U.S. policy makers. This report provides an overview of madrasas, their role in the Muslim world, and issues related to their alleged links to terrorism. The report also addresses the findings of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (the “9/11 Commission”) and issues relevant to the first session of the 110th Congress.