Theology in Practice

Annual Research Seminar Department of Islam, Politics, and Society

Radboud University Nijmegen

June 7, 2024

Erasmusplein 1 – Erasmusgebouw, Room 15.39

Convenors: Joud Alkorani and Mohamed-Ali Adraoui

For more information and when you would like to attend, please contact Joud Alkorani

Program

9:30 – 9:45 Words of welcome

9:45 – 10:45 Panel I

Depicting/imaging God: The Representation of the Word (of) Allah Nicolet Boekhoff- van der Voort

Images of God among former Muslims and Copts in Egypt Karin van Nieuwkerk

10:45-11:00 Coffee break

11:00-12:00 Panel II

Food and/through Theology  Joud Alkorani

What a waste: Muslim attitudes towards food waste and their theological underpinnings

Harald Viersen and Willem Flinterman

12:00-13:00 Lunch

13:00-14:15 Keynote address

Apocalypse and Messianism in Islam Seyfeddin Kara, University of Groningen

Dr. Seyfeddin Kara (University of Groningen) will deliver a talk on Sunni/Shiʿi beliefs regarding apocalypse and messianic figures, tracing their historical significance and examining their contemporary roles in the political and social affairs of the Middle East. While the concept of apocalypse and messianism is present in both Sunni and Shiʿi denominations, the notion of Imamate is deeply entrenched in Twelver Shiʿism, leading to an eager and “active” anticipation for the return of the twelfth Imam al-Mahdi to combat oppression and injustice in the world. This proactive anticipation echoes through the political and military strategies of Twelver Shiʿis in Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq.

14:15-14:30 Coffee break

14:30-15:30 Panel III

 Ali Shari‘ati: Liberation Theology, Social Justice, & Humanism Joseph Alagha

“Allah is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer (of affairs, for us)” – On travelling while Muslim, relying on God and mobilizing support Martijn de Koning

15:30-15:45 Coffee break

15:45- 16:45 Panel IV

A Theologically Motivated Armed Jihad? Jihadist Thinkers and their Religious Arguments for the Use of Violence Mohamed-Ali Adraoui

Contemporary Militias and Islamic Theology Roel Meijer