Call For Paper

The Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, through the Directorate General of Islamic Education, has hosted the Annual International Conference on Islamic Studies (AICIS) since 2000. This year, the AICIS takes place in Surabaya supported by UIN Sunan Ampel as co-host. The conference organizer is now calling for papers.

Papers should be submitted to the AICIS 2023 website by the due date. All are invited to submit an original research paper. The papers should be in accordance with one of the conference sub-themes. Papers have not been published in any forms; written in Indonesian, English, or Arabic. The committee will bear the expenses for the accepted papers covering accommodation and meals during the conference only. The participants should be responsible to secure the transportation budget to the conference venue.

The following is the main theme and sub-themes of the 22^nd AICIS 2023.

Main Theme: “Recontextualizing Fiqh for Equal Humanity and Sustainable Peace”. 

Under this main theme, the speakers at the 22nd AICIS are expected to focus on the discussion on Recontextualization of Fiqh as a necessity to support the principle of equality and sustainable peace. As a basic and central imperative norm in Islam, fiqh plays an important role in shaping perspectives, attitudes and behavior in human relations. Therefore, scholars should continue to work on how to relate the basic norms of fiqh to humanitarian issues because fiqh is, in fact, an open and inclusive discourse. Recontextualization will place fiqh as an inspiring perspective for humanity, civilization and peace, not as a doctrine that is immune to criticism and reinterpretation.

Sub-Themes:

• Rethinking Fiqh for non-violent religious practices

This sub-theme provides space to discuss theoretical and practical issues of violence in the name of religion within the framework of Islamic law. Fiqh is the normative foundation of ritual and social relations in Islam which was formulated by the medieval classical scholars and is still valid today. Unfortunately, fiqh is understood as a rigid and unchanging doctrine, including the laws of war, interreligious relations and minority status. Hence the justification for the occurrence of violence in the name of religion. Therefore, it is necessary to re-interpret and recontextualize so that fiqh is in harmony with changes that support a peaceful and tolerant society.

• Recounting Fiqh for Religious Harmony 

Harmonious relations between religious followers is a central issue today. On the one hand, interreligious relations seem well established. On the other, however, issues such as the construction of places of worship, religious holiday greetings, inter-religious marriages, and apostasy, can easily trigger tension. Several fatwas issued regarding these issues have contributed to the debate and their implications for interreligious relations. Many fatwas were issued on the basis of fiqh doctrines. Reviewing the doctrines and formulations of fiqh is important so that fiqh does not become a justification for religious intolerance.

• Dynamic Interaction between Fiqh and Public Policy

The fiqh rules with regard to state policies or leaders over the people that must be based on the benefits of the ummah is interesting to be reviewed to see how fiqh in today’s context contributes to the formulation of the state policies and how these policies are made for the benefits of the people. Public policies have a huge impact on society and therefore must be formulated and implemented properly. Here fiqh not only serves as an analysis to see whether public policies that concern the livelihoods of many people have sided with the people, but it should also be able to contribute to the formulation of public policies and good governance.

• Digital Humanity and Islamic Law

Today’s problems are caused by, among others, advancement in information and technology. In addition to convenience, the digital era also comes many problems, ranging from privacy protection, defamation, freedom of opinion and expression on social media. Being wise with social media is a must so that any information is not disseminated before it is verified. This sub-theme will discuss how fiqh contributes to solving contemporary problems in the digital era. The concept of balancing rights and obligations, guarding honor and protecting privacy in the public domain in fiqh discourse can be developed into a new paradigm of digital humanity.

• Maqashid al-syariah as a reference and framework of Fiqh for Humanity

The objective of Islamic law is embodied in the concept of Maqashid al-Sharia, as formulated by fiqh scholars. However, how maqashid al-sharia becomes a reference in solving human problems has not been formulated clearly and comprehensively. Human problems are also problems or questions that arise in fiqh. Therefore, fiqh must come up with solutions based on the benefits for the ummah and humanity. By making maqashid a principle and reference in humanity frameworks, the contribution of fiqh in overcoming human problems will be formulated better.

• Fiqh and Contested Authority: Between Conservatism and Progressivism

This sub-theme provides space for discussion on how fiqh authority is contested, both in the private and in the public sphere. Conservative and progressive tendencies of contestation can be explored from various cases and relevant literature. Fiqh is often the subject of debate and controversy, especially with regard to authority and choice of interpretation. The conservative perspective tends to maintain traditional authority, such as the authority of the ulema or the authority of established Islamic law institutions. Meanwhile, a progressive perspective tends to open space for free and courageous thoughts in interpreting Islamic law.

• Global Citizenship and Contemporary Fiqh

Discussions on this sub-theme may include exploring how Islamic teachings can be applied in a global context and addressing current global challenges. A number of global issues that require resolution, such as climate change, poverty, international conflicts and international migration can be discussed here. Contemporary fiqh can cover various sharia issues related to fighting for human rights and global justice, as well as building a sustainable environment and protecting natural resources. Contemporary fiqh helps develop awareness about global issues and builds a more inclusive society that respects diversity, and promotes global peace and justice.

• Fiqh in Business Ethics Construction for Sustainable Economic

This sub-theme covers issues of sharia serving as a guide to achieve sustainable, just and equitable economic goals and distribution of capital, protection of the environment, and dealing with ethical issues related to business in the economic sector. Fiqh can help build a sustainable and healthy economy, which can provide welfare for universal humanity and protect the environment and natural resources. What type of sustainable economy is currently on the rise is interesting to discuss in this sub-theme.

• The Fiqh Literacy for Gender, Minority Groups and Disability Issues

The understanding of Islamic law and its application is very strategic to discuss at this time. This sub-theme provides space for fiqh literacy in order to address humany issues, including gender, minority groups and people with disabilities. It can help understand and apply Islamic teachings appropriately in everyday life, including interaction with minority groups and people with disabilities. How fiqh touches humanity more broadly is also a very important discussion.

• Fiqh Education: Lessons Learned from Pesantren 

Fiqh, which is a central aspect of Islam, requires a medium for transformation, from a value system to an understanding of religious teachings that underlies daily religious practices. Therefore, understanding fiqh is an important aspect in the practice of Islam. Fiqh education is strategic in the context of instilling fiqh into Muslim society. In Indonesia, pesantren have proven to be educational institutions capable of preparing qualified fiqh experts. In addition, fiqh education in pesantren is worthy of a model in fiqh education in the Indonesian Archipelago and even in the world.