How do Islamic ethical traditions engage contemporary environmental challenges? This conference invites reflection on the moral, theological, legal, and philosophical dimensions of the human relationship to the natural world. We welcome contributions that examine environmental questions, including water and air quality, resource use, and animal welfare, through sustained engagement with Islamic sources, concepts, and lived practices.                                                             We invite a diverse range of papers from professors and advanced Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social and natural sciences, addressing these serious issues. Papers may include, but are not limited to the subthemes listed below under 8 individual categories:

I. Foundational Ethical and Theological Frameworks (Formative and Classical Periods)

• Qur’anic and Exegetical Treatments of Balance, Corruption, Reform, and Excess (Mīzān, Iṣlāḥ, Ifsād, Isrāf, Tabdhīr)
• Reflections on Human Responsibility and Stewardship: Tree Planting as Charity (ṣadaqa); Gardens and Sacred Landscapes; and Natural Elements (Rivers, Droughts, Mountains, Deserts)

II. Historical and Legal Traditions ((Pre-Modern and Early Modern Contexts)

• Pre-modern Conservation Practices (ḥimā, ḥarīm, waqf)
• Legal Regulation of Land, Water, and Shared Resources

III. Colonialism, Empire, and Ecological Disruption((Modern and Postcolonial Contexts)

• Oil Economies; Modernity; Consumer Culture; Waste, and isrāf

IV. Applied and Contemporary Challenges

• Climate Change, and Environmental Policy Debates in Muslim Contexts
• Deforestation and Sustainability; Air and Water Pollution; Water Scarcity; and Public Health

V. Faith-Based Initiatives and Ethical Practice

• Environmental Justice as Lived Religious Practice: Mosque-based Sustainability Initiatives; Community Conservation Projects; and Grassroots Ecological Movements
• Islamic NGOs and Environmental Advocacy

VI. Animal Ethics and Multispecies Relations (Across Historical Periods)

• The Moral Status of Animals in Islamic Thought (e.g., Rights, Welfare, and Obligation)
• Contemporary Ethical Debates: Halal Slaughter; Industrial Farming and Mass Production; Animal Experimentation and Biomedical Ethics
• Sacrifice, Violence, and Theological Meaning
• Companion Animals and Evolving Moral Sensibilities

VII. Species-Specific Reflections

• Wildlife Stewardship, Hunting Ethics, and Biodiversity
• Legal and Theological Debates Surrounding Specific Species (e.g., Dogs, Cats, Bees, Wolves)
• Symbolism and Moral Meaning of Animals in Scripture and Tradition

VIII. Comparative and Interdisciplinary Approaches

• Cross-disciplinary Work Spanning Theology, Law, Philosophy, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies: Comparative Approaches to Stewardship, Sustainability, and Moral Responsibility

Abstracts (250 words) Due July 11, 2026

• Abstracts will be evaluated according to the following criteria: clear data & methodology used, and relevance and contribution to conference theme. Abstracts must include a title; author’s full name; contact information; and university position (Professor or Ph.D. Candidate)
• Online Pre-Registration required by Panelists [Zoom link will be available on website]
• Final papers must be submitted by October 20, 2026.
• Send abstracts and final papers to Layla Sein, NAAIMS Executive Director at conferences@naaims.org