Archive for November 12th, 2026

We invite expressions of interest for contributions to an edited volume entitled Reflections on Shiʿi Studies to be published with a university press. The aim of the volume is to invite scholars to reflect on the state and fate of Shiʿi studies — inclusive of the Twelver, Ismaʿili, and Zaydi traditions — from various disciplinary vantage points and from any geographical and temporal focus.

While there have been significant steps forward in the study of Shiʿism in recent decades, the continued framing of Shiʿism primarily through the lens of its minority status imposes conceptual and methodological limitations. These, in turn, have shaped the dominant frameworks by which Shiʿism (and consequently, other Muslim traditions) are analysed and have informed particular readings of Shiʿi thought, practice, and history. This volume invites critical engagement with these dynamics and seeks proposals for more integrated and expansive approaches to the study of Shiʿism.

It should be noted that a number of scholars are already committed to contributing to this volume with contributions on a number of different themes. We are particularly interested in hearing from potential contributors who work on the study of philosophy and theology in the Shiʿi milieu, the study of Shiʿi political movements in the contemporary period, Shiʿi material and manuscript culture, and Shiʿi literary culture. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and we would be very interested in hearing of ideas for contributions beyond these themes. Contributors are invited to reflect on developments within their respective areas of specialisation and to consider the intellectual, institutional, and methodological shifts that have shaped the evolution of the field.

Contributors may wish to propose new directions for the future of Shiʿi studies whether by interrogating inherited frameworks, proposing new ones, or advocating for the inclusion of underutilised sources and perspectives. In recognition of the fact that scholarly trajectories are shaped not only by intellectual but also by personal and institutional influences, contributors are also welcome — if they so wish — to reflect on the personal dimensions of their engagement with the field.

If you would be interested in contributing to the volume, please send an email with a brief explanation of your idea (no more than 400 words) to both Adam Ramadhan (a.a.a.h.ramadhan@hum.leidenuniv.nl) and Fatima Zaraket (fmzaraket@princeton.edu) by 30 November 2026.

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