Islamic Mysticism Print

Call for Proposals

This Group solicits paper and panel proposals with special attention paid to the following topics:

  • Islamic mysticism in Mediterranean cultures, including the Ottoman Empire
  • Islamic mysticism as it engages with other religious or cultural traditions
  • Islamic mysticism and the use of magic
  • Sufism in American popular culture
  • Gender, sexuality, and the body in Islamic mysticism

Prearranged sessions and panel proposals for the ninety-minute format centered on one of the great primary sources or figures from the Mediterranean — such as Rumi or Ibn al-`Arabi — are highly encouraged. Please note that ninety-minute sessions or panels should have no more than three papers with a respondent. We also encourage prearranged sessions or panel proposals cosponsored outside the broader Islamic Mysticism Group for both session lengths. Prearranged session or panel proposals reflecting diversity in gender, ethnicity, theoretical method, and rank are highly sought.

Mission

This Group has a broad rubric, one that allows us to engage in areas such as Sufism, Isma’ili and broader Shi’i esoteric thought, some aspects of Islamic philosophy, and allegorical interpretations of the Qur’an. The study of Islamic mysticism also allows our members to engage Islamic materials from many different parts of the world, including but not limited to Persianate regions, Turkey, the Arab world, South Asia, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America.

Anonymity of Review Process

Proposals are anonymous to Chairs and Steering Committee Members during review, but visible to Chairs prior to final acceptance or rejection.

Questions?

Omid Safi
University of North Carolina
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Laury Silvers
University of Toronto
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Method of Submission