This book challenges the view of Islamic Studies as a branch of“Orientalism”. The West now sees Islam largely as a political problem, and research on its religious aspects is urgently needed. The book traces the relevance of the academic study of religion for Islamic Studies, contributions of prominent scholars, and studies on issues of contemporary Islam. The author advocates focusing research on Muslim interpretations of Islam which redefine Islamic values and meanings in present-day contexts, and argues for Muslims being recognized as actors in the articulation of their Islam.