Islamic mysticism is a broad rubric, one that allows us to engage in areas such as Sufism, 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, the Arab world, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and North America.
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Islamic Mysticism Unit
Call for Proposals for November Meeting
The Islamic Mysticism Group solicits paper and panel proposals for the 2024 AAR Annual Meeting. All proposals related to Islamic mysticism, as described in the Mission Statement are welcome. This Unit encourages proposals for individual papers, paper sessions, and roundtable discussions in all areas related to Islamic Mysticism, including but not limited to contemporary and classical Sufism, Ismaʿili and broader Shiʿi mysticism, the esoteric and occult arts, aspects of Islamic philosophy and mystical hermeneutics. Proposals must engage with existing scholarship, show theoretical sophistication, and offer original research.
Pre-arranged sessions are encouraged. Remember that pre-arranged sessions must show diversity of gender to be considered. We also greatly encourage other forms of diversity, especially race, ethnicity, theoretical method, and rank. Authors of accepted proposals are expected to attend the annual in-person meeting and will be barred from future programs if they fail to show, special and emergency circumstances aside.
This year we are encouraging papers related to (1) power, state, and authority; (2) music and art; (3) healing and medicine; and (4) lived practices that might include rituals, material culture, or studies on emotion. Nevertheless, as always, all papers related to Islamic Mysticism as defined above are welcome.
Call for Proposals for Online June Meeting
The Islamic Mysticism Group solicits paper and panel proposals for the 2024 AAR Annual Meeting (online). All proposals related to Islamic mysticism, as described in the Mission Statement are welcome. This Unit encourages proposals for individual papers, paper sessions, and roundtable discussions in all areas related to Islamic Mysticism, including but not limited to contemporary and classical Sufism, Isma øili and broader Shi øi mysticism, the esoteric and occult arts, aspects of Islamic philosophy and mystical hermeneutics. Proposals must engage with existing scholarship, show theoretical sophistication, and offer original research.
Pre-arranged sessions are encouraged. Remember that pre-arranged sessions must show diversity of gender to be considered. We also greatly encourage other forms of diversity, especially race, ethnicity, theoretical method, and rank. Authors of accepted proposals are expected to attend the online meeting and will be barred from future programs if they fail to show.
This year we are encouraging papers related to (1) power, state, and authority; (2) music and art; (3) healing and medicine; and (4) lived practices that might include rituals, material culture, or studies on emotion. Nevertheless, as always, all papers related to Islamic Mysticism as defined above are welcome.
Statement of Purpose
Chairs
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M. Shobhana Xavier, Queens University, Kingston1/1/2021 - 12/31/2026
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Cyrus Zargar, University of Central Florida1/1/2019 - 12/31/2024
Steering Committee Members
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Rebecca Makas, Villanova University1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Mohammad Amin Mansouri, University of Toronto1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Arjun Nair, University of Southern California1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Parisa Zahiremami, University of King's College1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
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Syed Zaidi, Fordham University1/1/2022 - 12/31/2027
Method
Other
Review Process
Proposer names are visible to chairs but anonymous to steering committee members