Islamic Mysticism Unit
The Islamic Mysticism Unit invites papers on the theme of decolonization in the study of Islamic Mysticism. In recent decades, scholars have increasingly examined mystical texts and traditions through the lens of Indigenous and Black studies and postcolonial critique. We welcome papers that explore the history of colonization within the field, as well as efforts to decolonize Islamic Mysticism by reclaiming indigenous voices, challenging Western interpretations, and reconsidering the impact of colonial histories on the study of mysticism.
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 and cultures 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.