Islamic Practical Theology

Dear Colleagues,

The term practice is associated with multiple understandings: Practice as a pedagogical–theological field of action and application; practice as a synonym for the coherent practicing of religious norms in the form of rituals, ideal commandments and prohibitions; and practice as Lived Religion in contrast to the doctrine of norms and ethics. However, practice is so much more than the opposite of norm and theory, as a collective term for the diversity of lived religion or narrowly defined as the correct execution of religious practice.  In this Special Issue, scientific approaches and methods of practice research will find their place.

The aim of this issue could be

• to provide a framework for what practical theology means;
• to clearly highlight individual fields that require research into religious practice;
• to identify and develop methods and approaches in the teaching of religious practice;
• to name related disciplines to practical theology and their roles/relevance;
• meaning of religious practice for the believers;
• correlation between religious practice and character forming/shaping.

In the context of Islamic Practical Theology, the term “practice” encompasses a broad range of interpretations and applications. The Special Issue seeks to explore these various dimensions of practice, illustrating that it is more than just the opposite of norm and theory. It serves as a collective term that captures the rich diversity of lived religion, as well as the correct and meaningful execution of religious practices.

Additionally, the issue emphasizes the inclusion of scientific approaches and methods in practice research, showcasing how these methodologies can deepen the understanding of practice within Islamic theology. By integrating these approaches, the issue aims to provide a comprehensive view of how practice operates within the broader scope of Islamic faith, education, and community life, highlighting the intricate connections between belief, behavior, and identity.

We request that, prior to submitting a manuscript, interested authors initially submit a proposed title and an abstract of 200–300 words summarizing their intended contribution. Please send it to the Guest Editor, or to the Assistant Editor Sandee Pan ([email protected]) of Religions. Abstracts will be reviewed by the Guest Editor for the purposes of ensuring proper fit within the scope of the Special Issue. Full manuscripts will undergo double-blind peer review.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Tuba Işik
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Religions is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• practical theology
• religious practice
• character forming