Center for Islam in the Contemporary World

The 3rd Annual DCA Social Sciences Graduate Student Symposium brought together 60+ graduate researchers across 15 panels for two days of rich academic exchange at DCA. Organized by DIRI, this flagship program continues to grow.

I am happy to share this obituary I wrote on my father, M. Yaqub Mirza (1946-2025). My father taught me so many things, but one of the key ones was to be generous, generous with your time, knowledge, expertise and wealth. He understood that generosity was not only about money but spending time with people, hearing them out and forming deep and sustaining relationships. My desire to build bridges and create partnerships can be directly traced to his guiding hand and mentorship. academia.edu/165735013/Obit…

Watch @ymirza3131 discuss his book The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries at @ShenandoahU. We'd like to thank Shenandoah University Libraries for co-sponsoring this event! youtube.com/watch?v=qhzK7I…

We had a great book talk at Shenandoah University's library the other week on my book "The Islamic Mary: Maryam Through the Centuries"! I enjoyed speaking about the origins of my book, Mary/Maryam in the Qur'an and why she matters today. I came of age in an era of the "Clash of Civilizations" and shared figures allow us to think of what relationships, bridges and partnerships are possible. The Barzinji Institute for Global Virtual Learning continues and implements much of my work in religious and interreligious studies. The Questions and Answers period was dynamic and I shared how the Islamic Mary even helps various Christians think about the role of Mary within their own traditions. I want to thank Andy Kulp for opening up the Library for us and making the space an area of intellectual exchange. I always enjoy going to the Library, interacting with the staff and organizing research sessions there. I also want to thank Ermin Sinanovic from @CICWatSU (CICW) for moderating and sponsoring the event. One of CICW's goals is to bring interesting and innovative programming to Shenandoah's campus and invite new and stimulating speakers. Thank you all to those who made the event possible!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Islamic Virtual Reality: "Pilgrim VR: Hajj & Umrah" and "Al-Aqsa VR" with Dr. Ermin Sinanović! We were thrilled to welcome such an engaged audience for this immersive exploration of how virtual reality is transforming access to and understanding of Islamic holy sites. From experiencing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah to virtually visiting Al-Aqsa Mosque, it was exciting to see so many attendees try out the VR technology and take part in the conversation. Thank you to Dr. Sinanović for sharing his insights and to our partners at the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World and Siraj Studios for their innovative work. Thank you to our cosponsors: Digital Studies Institute & Islamophobia Working Group. And a special shoutout to Jan Stewart for helping us set up the VR headsets. Stay tuned for more events in our “Muslims in the Digital Age” series!

📢 Call for Papers! Graduate students are invited to present their research at the 3rd DCA Graduate Student Symposium (May 2–3, 2026 | Hybrid). 📝 Abstract Deadline: April 1, 2026 🔗 Details & submission: diyanetamerica.org/symposium/

📢 Applications Open – Graduate Student Institute 2026 🗓 June 29 – July 9, 2026 📍 Diyanet Center of America, Lanham, MD Open to graduate students & recent graduates in the U.S. and Canada. 🔗 Apply: contemporaryislam.org/graduate-stude…

We are pleased to launch our new website! cicwlearn.org serves as a dedicated, one-stop platform for CICW's VR/AR projects.

Announcing the launch of the new CICW Learn website, your hub for cutting-edge VR/AR projects like Pilgrim VR (Hajj/Umrah training) and Aqsa Reality (Al-Aqsa VR journey)! This is a great collaboration between CICW, @ShenandoahU, and Siraj Studios. cicwlearn.org

Two weeks left to apply! contemporaryislam.org/imam-scholarsh…

We’re excited to launch the official Instagram of the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World at Shenandoah University! Follow us for insights, events, and research on contemporary Islam. Follow here: instagram.com/cicw_su/

Graduate Student Institute “Islam in the Contemporary World” June 29 – July 9, 2026 CICW and @DiyanetAmerica Call for Applications! Learn More & Apply! contemporaryislam.org/graduate-stude…

Coming up! Islamic Virtual Reality Apps: "Pilgrim VR: Hajj & Umrah" and "Al-Aqsa VR" Wednesday, March 25th, 4:00 pm 555 Weiser Hall (5th floor) 500 Church St, Ann Arbor MI 48109 RSVP: myumi.ch/n1dZN Join the University of Michigan Global Islamic Studies Center (GISC) and Dr. Ermin Sinanović (Shenandoah University) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 4:00PM in 555 Weiser Hall for a demo of and conversation on two new VR apps for Islamic holy sites: one for experiencing and learning how to perform the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Mecca, and another for visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Al-Quds or Jerusalem. Pilgrim VR: Hajj and Umrah is a one-of-a-kind interactive training through realistic, geospatially accurate 3D environments. It shows holy sites, offers ritual tutorials, and is made for prospective pilgrims to Mecca. Al-Aqsa VR is made for students, educators, historians, and explorers to experience the beauty of the Al-Aqsa Mosque without leaving home. For this talk and demonstration, we will use the Meta Quest 3 with controllers headset, and have several on hand for audience members to try out the VR apps!

We are pleased to release our 2025 Annual Report. It highlights CICW's commitment to advancing Islamic scholarship, education, and community development through innovative programs, global partnerships, and impactful initiatives. contemporaryislam.org/annual-reports…

Call for Papers! Graduate students are invited to submit abstracts and present their research at the 3rd DCA Graduate Student Symposium, to be held May 2–3, 2026 (hybrid) at the Diyanet Center of America. 📝 Abstract deadline: April 1, 2026 🔗 diyanetamerica.org/symposium/

Now Accepting Applications! contemporaryislam.org/imam-scholarsh…

Registration is open for our upcoming professional development two-part series in January! contemporaryislam.org/prophetic-peda…

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Dr. M. Yaqub Mirza, Founder and President of the CICW. Dr. Mirza leaves behind a legacy defined by wisdom, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of service.

Register Today! contemporaryislam.org/ppsaturdaysess…