Al-Zman

Chronica of Agonistic Jewish-Islamic Thought

A period of time is defined, as the time, al-zman, by change, by happening. The events of this time are determined, among others, by signs of Jewish-Islamic tensions. The seismic center appears to be located in the Middle East, however the effects, vibrations and meanings of local conflicts circulate globally. The Muslim, the Jew, who for Christian and secular European perspectives have often been two figures of timeless anachronicity, in their seemingly timeless hostility now articulate the sharp actuality of our time.

Al-Zman is a periodical publication, a chronica, for attempts to think the contemporary Jewish-Islamic configuration – think about it, think through it. It welcomes endeavors not simply to resolve enmity, but to transform hostile oppositions into critical thinking, into agonistic thought, which unites in struggle. Al-Zman invites scholars and intellectuals to formulate critical reflections and visions that relate to Jewish-Islamic dynamics, in the Orient, the Occident, North and South. Contributions can articulate also Christian, Arab, Israeli, Palestinian, Iranian, European and other positions.

We particularly call for reengagements with Jewish and Islamic, especially Jewish-Islamic intellectual traditions themselves as sources for agonistic thinking – critical with respect to others, to each other, first and foremost to themselves. The forum’s name, Al-Zman, is coined with such an intention. A fusion of Jewish and Islamic languages, a combination of Hebrew vocalization of the noun with the Arabic definite article, Al-Zman only has meaning, “the time”, in and through this multiplicity. It suggests that this time, our time, Jewish and Islamic thought should unfold their critical potential in thinking with each other, against each other, making sense together.