This volume explores the relation between Islam and the state in Buddhist-majority Myanmar from both an empirical and a comparative perspective. It provides an informed response to contemporary issues facing the Muslim communities of Myanmar, furthering knowledge of the interaction between state institutions, government policies, and society past and the present.

The book provides scholarly insights into the politics of belonging for Muslims in Myanmar while emphasizing the inherent diversity within and among Muslim communities. It brings together perspectives from experts of a diverse array of disciplines—religious studies, international relations, political science, history, Islamic studies, law, and anthropology.

Focusing on the themes of colonialism and the state, the everyday experiences of Muslims, and the challenges of violence and security, this volume comes at a timely juncture in Myanmar’s history. This book is essential reading for scholars and students studying Islam in the region.