Shii News – AMI, CfP: ‘The Status of Non-Muslims in Sharīʿa’ (UK, June, 2016)

Call for Papers:
‘The Status of Non-Muslims in Sharīʿa’
The 4th AMI Contemporary Fiqhī Issues Workshop
June 2-3rd 2016

Al-Mahdi Institute
60 Weoley Park Road
Birmingham B29 6RB
UK
www.almahdi.edu

The 4th annual fiqhī workshop at Al-Mahdi Institute aims to facilitate scholarship directly addressing questions relating to the topic of “the status of non-Muslims in Sharī ͑a”. We especially encourage, and invite, paper proposals engaging with the methodological questions involved in justifications for both traditional and alternative perspectives on fiqhī̄ (juristic) readings of matters related to the status of non-Muslims in Islam.

In recent years one of the major aspects of Sharī ͑a, or more precisely “fiqh”, that has been subject of much debate and discussion pertains to the status of non-Muslims within Sharī ͑a. Apparent tensions have arisen in the understanding and practice of fiqh in the context of challenges from international law, extremist trans-national and terrorist organisations, domestic legal frameworks and the private practice of Muslims living in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. From private issues related to permissibility of marriage with non-Muslims or eating non-Muslim prepared food, to societal or state imposed regulations pertaining to transactions, capital punishments, compensations, and political rights and duties, we find that the legal edicts of mainstream Muslim jurists demonstrate widespread distinctions/discriminations between Muslims and Non-Muslims. The impact of such distinctions/discriminations not only affects non-Muslims residing in pre-dominantly Muslim societies but also affect Muslims who reside in minority contexts.

The workshop seeks to explore fiqhī or juristic justifications and challenges to such positions and emerging alternatives. As in previous gatherings such fiqhī debate will be situated alongside contributions dealing with broader theological, legal, historical, anthropological and sociological approaches that can enrich a multidisciplinary understanding of contemporary visions for the status of non-Muslims in Sharīʿa.

Proposals for a single presenter should include the following:

➢ Contact information, and a brief bio of presenter(s),
➢ Tentative title(s), 

➢ Abstract(s) (300- 500 word).

The deadline for submission of proposals is 8th April 2016. Successful applicants will be notified by 15th April 2016.

Accepted applicants from within the E.U. will be supported for their travel and hospitality during the workshop, with a further limited number of travel bursaries available for those applying from outside the E.U.

Proposals and queries should be sent by e-mail to: Dr Hashim Bata (hashim@almahdi.edu)

Posted in: Field-specific (academic)