The Australian Association of Islamic and Muslim Studies (AAIMS) held its 5th National Conference on 30–31 October 2025 at Griffith University, Brisbane, drawing together scholars, researchers, and students from across Australia and beyond. This year’s theme, “Fractured World, Uncertain Future: Islam, Justice, and Humanity in Turbulent Times,” encouraged rich reflection and robust academic dialogue across various fields of Islamic and Muslim studies.

Keynote Address

The conference opened with a keynote lecture by Professor Hatem Bazian (University of California, Berkeley), who presented on “Genocides in the Global South and the Collapse of the Post-WWII Order: Islam’s Call for Justice in Turbulent Times.” His address set the tone for two days of critically engaged scholarship and community reflection.

Conference Program Overview

Across the two days, the conference featured:

• 10 parallel sessions on topics including Islamophobia, decoloniality, education, gender, spirituality, and politics, featuring papers from emerging and established scholars. 

• A Book Launch Session presenting new works by leading academics including Professor Halim Rane, Ibrahim Zein, Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin, and Dr Sara Cheikh Husein.

• A Roundtable Discussion titled “Decolonising Sociology of Islam: Rethinking Islamic Epistemologies”, chaired by Associate Professor Derya Iner, with contributions from Prof Fethi Mansouri, Prof Halim Rane, and Dr Jan Ali.

• A warm and lively Conference Dinner held at The Ship Inn, Southbank Parklands — a space for shared meals, deep conversations, and growing connections within the academic community.

Reflections & Closing

The final session of the conference featured thoughtful reflections from Prof Hatem Bazian, Prof Samina Yasmeen, Dr Nora Amath, and Dr Usman Afzali, moderated by Associate Professor Zuleyha Keskin. Their concluding insights emphasised the importance of critical scholarship, ethical responsibility, and community engagement in responding to injustice and global uncertainty.

Dr Jan A. Ali, AAIMS President, closed the conference by expressing heartfelt thanks to all attendees, presenters, and volunteers.