Title: 6th International Conference of Islamic Studies-2025 (ICIS-2025)
Theme: Exploring Occidentalism: Muslim Approaches, Challenges, and Contemporary Prospects
Saturday & Sunday, 19 & 20 April 2025
Background of the Conference:
The Two Days International Conference of Islamic Studies themed “Exploring Occidentalism: Muslim Approaches, Challenges, and Contemporary Prospects” aims to address the evolving dynamics between Muslim societies and the West, particularly focusing on the concept of Occidentalism. Occidentalism refers to the perceptions, responses, and critiques of the West from an Islamic and Eastern perspective. It explores how Western cultural, political, and economic dominance has been viewed, critiqued, and resisted within Muslim communities throughout history and in the present day.
Historically, the interaction between Islam and the West has been shaped by a complex web of colonialism, ideological imposition, cultural exchange, and political power. From the Crusades to colonial occupations, Muslim societies have had to navigate and challenge Western dominance, often resulting in intellectual, theological, and social movements that question Western ideals and practices.
In the modern era, Muslim communities face new challenges, as globalization, Western secularism, capitalism, and the rise of Western media continue to influence social, cultural, and political spheres. This conference seeks to provide a platform for critical reflection on the impact of these forces and to explore Islamic responses to contemporary Western challenges. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, the conference aims to promote a deeper understanding of Occidentalism, its historical roots, its contemporary manifestations, and its prospects in a globalized world.
Objectives of the Conference:
- To Define and Explore the Concept of Occidentalism:
- To provide a comprehensive understanding of Occidentalism and explore its implications within the framework of Islamic thought, history, and culture.
- To Analyze the Relationship Between Occidentalism and Orientalism:
- To compare Occidentalism with Orientalism, examining how both concepts reflect the East-West dichotomy and shape the cultural, political, and social narratives between the two worlds.
- To Examine Islamic Responses to Western Secularism:
- To investigate the theological and intellectual critiques of Western secularism from an Islamic perspective and propose Islamic alternatives for governance, religion, and public life.
- To Address Political, Social, and Cultural Challenges in Muslim Societies:
- To explore the effects of globalization, Western capitalism, and political interventions on Muslim societies, and discuss the internal tensions between secularism and tradition.
- To Investigate the Role of Culture, Art, and Media in Shaping Perceptions of the West:
- To explore how artistic expressions, literature, media, and cinema respond to Western influence and shape Muslim identities in contemporary times.
- To Assess the Future Prospects for Muslim-Western Dialogue:
- To evaluate opportunities for building mutual understanding between the East and West, and the role of technology, social media, and interfaith dialogue in mitigating misconceptions and fostering a more constructive relationship.
Target Audience:
- Academics and Scholars:
- Researchers, professors, and graduate students specializing in Islamic Studies, Political Science, Cultural Studies, Philosophy, and Post-Colonial Studies.
- Islamic Theologians and Thinkers:
- Scholars of Islamic theology, Islamic law (Fiqh), and Islamic philosophy who are interested in the intersection of religion, politics, and Western ideologies.
- Cultural Practitioners and Artists:
- Writers, poets, filmmakers, and artists who explore themes of identity, culture, and the East-West relationship through various forms of media and art.
- Politicians, Diplomats, and Policy Makers:
- Government officials, diplomats, and policymakers from Muslim-majority countries interested in understanding the political and cultural dynamics between Muslim societies and the West.
- Activists and Social Leaders:
- Individuals engaged in human rights advocacy, gender studies, social justice movements, and those involved in the ongoing debates on the role of modernity and tradition in Muslim societies.
- General Public and Enthusiasts of East-West Relations:
- Individuals interested in intercultural dialogue, globalization, Islamic thought, and contemporary challenges faced by Muslim communities in relation to the West.
Conference Registration Fee Guidelines
- The conference registration fee covers essential services, including refreshments and lunch on the day of the conference, as well as gifts for presenters. However, it is important to note that the registration fee does not include any travel allowances or accommodation costs. Participants are responsible for making their own travel and lodging arrangements.
- For international attendees, the conference will provide accommodation for a duration of up to two days. This accommodation is specifically designed to assist foreign visitors, ensuring their stay is comfortable and convenient during the event.