Writing Our Desire

My proposal advocates for a transformative approach to Islamic Studies, emphasizing the significance of interdisciplinary methodologies, visual studies, and creative storytelling. It explores the challenges posed by epistemic colonization, urging a shift from reactionary stance to proactive action. Drawing inspiration from Audre Lorde and Helene Cixous the proposal underscores the role of language in decolonization, urging a reevaluation of power dynamics in scholarly discourse. The integration of visual studies, exemplified through a visual essay on a Bangladeshi surfer, Nasima, offers a unique perspective on subaltern voices. The proposal also delves into the meaning of religious symbol highlighting spacial and contextual variations. Emphasizing the dynamism of Islamic Studies through the visual storytelling, the proposal concludes with a call for increased engagement with visual media in Islamic Studies courses, fostering a more immersive and enriching educational experience for students.