Islamic Africa

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Understanding of Islam's Role in African Society

Introduction

Welcome to the Islamic Africa information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Islamic Africa, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0803-0685
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
Country-
Type-
Converge-
AbbreviationISLAM AFR-US / Islamic Afr.
Frequency2 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Islamic Africa' serves as a vital platform for exploring the intricate connections between Islam and various facets of African societies. Its research focus encompasses a diverse range of themes, methodologies, and cultural contexts, fostering a comprehensive understanding of Islam's impact across the continent.
  1. Exploration of 'Ajami Literature:
    The journal prominently features studies on 'Ajami literature, which refers to the use of Arabic script to write African languages. This includes discussions on the typographic challenges, historical significance, and cultural contributions of 'Ajami texts across various African communities.
  2. Religious Minorities and Interfaith Dynamics:
    A core area of focus is the examination of religious minorities within predominantly Muslim contexts. This includes the study of communities such as the Ahmadis and Shia Muslims, exploring their social dynamics, political engagement, and the challenges they face in diverse African settings.
  3. Cultural Expressions of Islam:
    The journal highlights the artistic and cultural expressions of Islam in Africa, including poetry, proverbs, and local metaphors. These studies delve into how spirituality is articulated in specific cultural contexts, enriching the understanding of Islamic practices and beliefs.
  4. Historical Contextualization of Islamic Practices:
    The journal also emphasizes historical analyses of Islamic practices in Africa, tracing the evolution of religious and cultural identities through time. This includes the study of significant historical texts and manuscripts, as well as the impact of colonialism and globalization on Muslim communities.
  5. Socio-Political Engagement:
    The intersection of Islam with socio-political issues is another critical area, encompassing discussions on Islamic leadership, community resilience, and the role of Islam in political movements across various African nations.
Recent publications in 'Islamic Africa' reveal a dynamic evolution of research themes, indicating emerging trends that reflect contemporary challenges and interests within African Muslim societies. These trends highlight the journal's responsiveness to current socio-cultural and technological changes.
  1. Digitalization and 'Ajami Literature:
    The intersection of technology and 'Ajami literature is gaining traction, as evidenced by studies examining the challenges and opportunities presented by digital environments. This theme is particularly relevant in addressing how traditional literacies adapt to modern technological contexts.
  2. Migration and Transnational Muslim Identities:
    Research focusing on the experiences of Muslim migrants, particularly in the context of Europe, is increasingly prevalent. This reflects a broader interest in understanding how migration shapes religious identities and community dynamics in both origin and host countries.
  3. Local vs. Global Islamic Practices:
    There is a growing emphasis on the tension and interplay between local traditions and global Islamic movements. This theme explores how African Muslims navigate their identities amidst global influences, showcasing the diversity of thought and practice within the continent.
  4. Cultural Resilience and Spirituality:
    Recent studies underscore the importance of cultural resilience and local expressions of spirituality, particularly in the face of socio-political challenges. This trend highlights the significance of traditional practices and beliefs in maintaining community cohesion.

Declining or Waning

While 'Islamic Africa' continues to thrive in many research areas, certain themes have shown a decline in prominence over recent years. This waning interest may reflect broader shifts in scholarly focus or changing socio-political contexts within Africa.
  1. Traditional Gender Studies:
    The exploration of gender issues within traditional frameworks appears to be less frequent, possibly overshadowed by more contemporary discussions on gender dynamics influenced by modernity and globalization.
  2. Colonial Legacies in Islamic Studies:
    Research explicitly focused on colonial legacies and their impacts on Islamic practices and communities in Africa seems to be less emphasized, as scholars may be shifting towards examining contemporary issues and local agency.
  3. Studies on Islamic Legal Systems in Isolation:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers focused solely on Islamic legal systems without the integration of broader socio-cultural contexts. This shift indicates a move towards more holistic approaches that consider multiple factors influencing Islamic law.

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