Postgraduate Islamic Studies International Conference 2024: A Resounding Success
The 3rd Postgraduate Islamic Studies International Conference, held on Monday, 9th December 2024, at Western Sydney University’s vibrant Bankstown City campus, drew widespread interest from scholars and the broader community. A collaborative effort between the Centre for Islamic Studies at Charles Sturt University, Western Sydney University, and the Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS), the conference showcased the dynamic growth and diversity of postgraduate Islamic studies.
This year’s theme, "Understanding Islam and Muslim Societies in a Changing World," brought together over 65 abstracts, reflecting the strong international interest in the conference, though not all were accepted or presented. The event commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Mahsheed Ansari, who emphasized the legacy of the House of Wisdom, a beacon of scholarly rigor, cooperation, and contribution, and called for a revival of its spirit to address the pressing need for scholarship in today’s challenging times. Prof. Simon Burrows officially opened the conference, highlighting its critical role in understanding Islam and Muslim societies in contemporary contexts and its significance in today’s world.
Keynote speaker Dr. Samir Mahmoud, Academic Director of Usul Academy, delivered a thought-provoking address on Islamic studies, spirituality, and comparative aesthetics, setting the tone for a day of rich intellectual engagement. Scholars from across Australia and international experts from the UK, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Indonesia enriched the discussions with their diverse perspectives. The conference featured groundbreaking research across themes such as the origins of Islamic civilization, women in Islam, Sufism, Islam in the media, and more.
Convenors Dr. Mahsheed Ansari and Dr. Jan A. Ali, supported by the dedicated organising committee of Dr. Carol Mroue, Mouna Elmir, Dr. Junaid Amjad, and Dr. Waheed Akhtar, ensured the event’s seamless execution. Celebrating the active participation of CISAC, WSU PhD students as both presenters and organisers, the conference reinforced the critical role of collaborative academic inquiry in addressing the complexities of Islam and Muslim experiences in a rapidly changing world.