The conference “The Human–World Relationship in the Islamic Mystical–Philosophical Tradition” seeks to explore the philosophical approaches inspired by mystical perspectives within the Islamic intellectual tradition, with particular attention to the ways in which human existence and agency are conceptualized in relation to the world. By bringing together junior and senior scholars of Islamic philosophy, Islamic studies, and intellectual history, the conference aims to examine the porous boundaries between falsafa, ḥikma, taṣawwuf, and ʿirfān in their reflections on the human–world relationship.
Confirmed invited speakers include Peter Adamson (LMU Munich), Ulrich Rudolph (University of Zurich), Jari Kaukua (University of Jyväskylä), and others. In addition, three papers will be selected through this Call for Papers. Proposed topics for submission include, but are not limited to:
• Philosophical conceptions of the world from a mystical perspective
• Unity and multiplicity in mystical–philosophical ontology
• Mystical knowledge and Sufi epistemologies in relation to human perception of the world
• Human epistemic agency between passivity and creativity
• The dynamic versus fixed nature of the world in mystical–philosophical thought
• Commentarial traditions and the transmission of mystical–philosophical doctrines that engage with questions concerning the human–world relationship
• Contributions of Islamic mystical philosophy to broader debates on worldhood, human agency and human knowledge
Submission Guidelines:
• Abstracts: 300–400 words in English + Brief Bio: up to 200 words
• Abstract Submission Deadline: 15 April 2026
• Notification of Acceptance: 25 April 2026
The conference is organized by Zakieh Azadani and Behnam Zolghadr, and will take place in person at the University of Freiburg. Travel and accommodation expenses for selected participants will be covered. Submissions and inquiries should be sent to: zakieh.azadani@philosophie.uni-freiburg.de„>zakieh.azadani@philosophie.uni-freiburg.de, behnam.zolqadr@gmail.com„>behnam.zolqadr@gmail.com
