AMI’s Department of Quranic Studies invites submissions for its second international conference, titled ‘Diverse Approaches to Quranic Exegesis: Historical Trends and Contemporary Trajectories’ to be held on 14th – 15th April 2025. The deadline for abstract submissions is 20th November 2024.
The interpretation of the Qurʾān has evolved across centuries, reflecting a wide array of intellectual trends both within the Muslim world and beyond. While mainstream Islamic scholars have traditionally dominated the field of Qurʾānic exegesis, there exists a rich and varied tapestry of alternative interpretations that offer fresh perspectives and challenge conventional understandings. These diverse exegeses, although sometimes controversial, contribute significantly to the ongoing discourse on the meaning and relevance of the Qurʾān in different contexts. The impact of these varied interpretations on both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences remains an important, yet underexplored, area of study.
The second AMI International Qurʾānic Conference aims to provide a dynamic platform for scholarly exchange, focusing specifically on non-mainstream approaches and diverse methods of Qurʾānic exegesis. The primary objective of this conference is to foster advanced academic research that delves into the multifaceted dimensions of Qurʾānic exegesis, examining its influence on religious practices, intellectual heritage, and contemporary scholarship. The conference will culminate in a curated volume, with the expectation that all participants will contribute to this edited publication.
We invite scholars to contribute to this vibrant discourse by exploring topics including, but not limited to:
- Minority and Sectarian Approaches to Qurʾānic Exegesis:
- Shiʿa Imāmīya, Zaydi, and Ismāʿili interpretations.
- Muʿtazilite exegesis.
- al-ʾIbāḍiyya perspectives on the Qurʾā
- Philosophical, Theological, Mystical, and Sufi Exegesis:
- Analysis of philosophical and theological interpretations.
- Exploration of mystical and Sufi approaches to the Qurʾānic text.
- Linguistic, Literary, Artistic, and Allegorical Interpretations:
- Examining linguistic and literary methods in tafsīr.
- Artistic and allegorical readings of the Qurʾān.
- Modern and Post-Modern Approaches:
- Humanistic, feminist, political, progressive, contextualist and scientific exegesis.
- Deconstructionist approaches to understanding Qurʾānic narratives.
- Socio-Anthropological, Historical, and Interfaith Perspectives:
- Socio-anthropological approaches to Qurʾānic studies.
- Historical contexts in Qurʾānic interpretation.
- Interfaith dialogue and comparative exegesis.
The Conference
This conference is organised by the AMI Department of Qurʾānic Studies in collaboration with AMI Press. Shortlisted abstracts will be developed into full academic papers. Al-Mahdi Institute will provide hospitality during the conference and may cover reasonable travel and accommodation expenses. Participants are, however, encouraged to seek financial support from their institutions. The proceedings will be published as an edited volume in 2026.
Submission Guidelines
- Abstracts:
- Deadline: 20 November 2024.
- Length: 300–500 words.
- Format: Submit along with a CV (maximum 2 pages, including publications and recent work experience) and a short biography.
- Notification of Acceptance:
- Shortlisted authors will be notified by 20 December 2024.
- Conference Date & Venue:
- 14-15 April 2025 at Al-Mahdi Institute, 60 Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, B29 6RB, UK.
- Full Papers:
- Deadline: 20 November 2025.
- Word Count: 6,000–10,000 words (excluding bibliography).
- Style: Adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style and specific conventions of AMI Press.
- Publication:
- The edited volume is scheduled for publication in summer 2026.
Submissions of Abstracts
Please submit your abstract (maximum 500 words), along with a CV and short biography to Professor Ali Fanaei at [email protected] by 17:00 UK time, 20 November 2024.
Submissions Process (Full Papers)
Final papers should be submitted in MS Word format to [email protected] by 17:00 UK time, 20 November 2025. The first page should include the title, author(s) name(s), institutional affiliation, contact details, a 300-500 word abstract, bibliography, and six keywords.
For further inquiries, please contact Professor Ai Fanaei at [email protected]
