Islam in the Modern World: Dialogues on Faith, Culture, and Society

Call for Papers
Date: April 21-22, 2025
Venue: Department of Arabic and Translation Studies (ATS), American University of Sharjah (AUS), United Arab Emirates
Abstract Submission Deadline: October 31, 2024

The Department of Arabic and Translation Studies (ATS) at American University of Sharjah (AUS), is pleased to invite submissions for the upcoming conference on Islamic Studies, themed Islam in the Modern World: Dialogues on Faith, Culture and Society. This conference aims to attract a wide audience, bringing together academics, researchers, and practitioners to contribute to a vibrant exchange of ideas.

In a world that is increasingly interconnected and rapidly evolving, the role of Islamic studies is more crucial than ever. The conference is designed to address the various dimensions of Islamic tradition and its relevance in the modern context. They aim to facilitate discussions that not only honor the rich historical and intellectual heritage of Islam but also investigate its applications and interpretations in contemporary settings.

The conference will provide a great opportunity for participants to engage with a wide range of topics, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and encouraging innovative approaches to understanding Islam. By examining the dynamic interplay between traditional Islamic knowledge and contemporary scholarly approaches, They hope to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field. This will include exploring how Islamic thought can contribute to modern debates on ethics, law, education, politics, economics, and more.

Submissions Themes

1. Islamic Jurisprudence and Modern Law: Examining the adaptation and relevance of traditional Islamic legal principles in contemporary legal systems.
2. Islamic Thought and Ethics: Bridging classical Islamic thought with modern ethical challenges and philosophical discourses.
3. Qur’anic and Hadith Studies in the Modern Era: Contemporary approaches to Qur’anic and Hadith exegesis, commentaries and translations and the impact of modern hermeneutics on traditional interpretations
4. Mysticism and Spirituality: The role of mysticism in modern society and its relevance to contemporary spiritual practices.
5. Islamic Art and Architecture: Integrating traditional Islamic aesthetics with modern artistic expressions and architectural innovations.
6. Islamic Education: Evolution of Islamic educational systems and curricula in response to modern educational demands and technological advancements.
7. Gender Studies in Islam: Gender roles and relations within Islamic contexts, exploring both traditional perspectives and contemporary feminist critiques.
8. Islamic Economics and Finance: The development and implementation of Islamic economic principles in today’s global financial systems.
9. Interfaith Dialogue: Promoting understanding and cooperation between Islamic traditions and other religious or secular perspectives in a globalized world.
10. Islamic Political Thought: The interplay between classical Islamic political theories and modern political ideologies and systems.
11. Islam and Digital Humanities: Integration of Islamic Studies with digital humanities offers a transformative approach to both preserving and analyzing texts and artifacts.
12. Islam and Media: Islam and soft media studies explore how Islamic teachings, culture and communities are represented and communicated through various forms of media, focusing on the subtle influence of media in shaping perceptions and understanding of Islam in contemporary society.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstract of original research relevant to the conference themes. Submissions must be in a Microsoft Word format and can be in English or in Arabic (abstracts in Arabic must be accompanied by proper English translation). Abstracts should be informative and well-structured (maximum 300 words) outlining the paper’s objectives, methodology and key findings. All abstracts will undergo a thorough double review process by members of the scientific committee.
• A brief bio-sketch (no more than a 100-word) of the author(s);
• Fill in the form here.

Abstracts are to be sent to: atsconference@aus.edu.

Publication Opportunity

Full papers, not under review elsewhere, will be eligible for publication in a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal such as Lumen Islamica and/or Pergamena Arabica. Submissions are accepted in both English and Arabic. Authors will receive notification regarding the publication process following the conference.

Important Dates

• Abstract Submission Deadline: October 31, 2024
• Notification of Acceptance: December 2, 2024
• Conference Dates: April 21-22, 2025

Registration 

• Registration fees: $200 (includes coffee breaks, lunch for two days and a conference dinner)
• Registration Deadline: January 31, 2025
• The registration portal will be available at a later date.
• Participants are responsible for securing their own visas. ATS can only provide a Letter of Acceptance after your abstract is successful.

Accommodation 

Presenters and attendees are responsible for making their own accommodation reservations. However, AUS has secured a special discounted rate for conference participants at Centro Sharjah Hotel, which is the closest hotel to AUS.

Complimentary transportation to and from the hotel and the university will be provided.

Contact Information

For inquiries and abstract submissions, please email us at atsconference@aus.edu.

Source: American University of Sharjah