Reflections on Political Islam: Concepts and Contexts مقالة

Reflections on Political Islam: Concepts and Contexts The International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) participated in the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) in Atlanta, GA, held November 21-24, 2015. In addition to the participation of staff and associates in several meeting events and panels, IIIT maintained a book booth in the Ex hibit Hall, co-organized a panel on “Opportunities and Challenges of Teaching Islamic Studies in Theological Seminaries,” and held its second annual AAR Reception and Special Lecture. Fittingly, John Esposito (Georgetown University), al-Faruqi’s first doctoral advisee, delivered the keynote speech: “Reflections on Political Islam: Concepts and Contexts. ” An intellectual giant in his own right, Esposito presented a historical analysis of the rise of political Islam movements during the latter half of the twentieth century through his individual interactions, appointments, and pres ence in spaces of influence at critical times. Referring to challenges like ISIS and youth radicalization, Esposito stated that “unless you understand the context within which political Islam arose...