Call for Articles

We’re producing a series of articles exploring how to maximize the positive social impact of our life and servitude from an Islamic perspective, often using the ideas of Effective Altruism as a reference or complement (without necessarily being beholden to them). 

We’re looking for writers with familiarity with Islamic thought for these articles. Familiarity with Effective Altruism is helpful, but not mandatory (although some questions might require research on concepts in EA). Some questions might also require particular expertise in topics such as philosophy or history.

Thank you very much for volunteering to write an article to help with this! We’re currently looking for articles exploring the themes listed below. Please pick a question based on these themes which you are interested in, and feel most able to write an insightful and useful piece about. If you would like to discuss your chosen topic, arguments, writing style, etc. with us before you begin, we welcome it. Additionally, if you have an idea you would like to write about exploring one of these themes which isn’t explicitly listed here, please share your idea with us!

When writing your article, please bear the following guidelines in mind:

1. Articles should be descriptive, not prescriptive. We are not looking for a definitive or authoritative ‘correct’ answer or judgment on any of these complex questions. We are looking for speculative explorations into any potential ideas and arguments Islamic thought might provide. As far as reasonably possible, describe all major aspects and sides to the topic you are discussing, without casting judgment.

2. Muslims are not a homogenous group. The word ‘Islam’ refers to a wide range of doctrines, sects, groups, and schools of thought. There are substantial differences of opinion between and within these groups. Recognise that there is not one correct understanding of any of these concepts. Try to be specific about whom you are referring to. Avoid over-generalizations such as “Muslims think ___”, “Scholars say ___”, “Islam says ___”. Where possible, clarify where different groups may have different opinions on a topic. 

3. Use reliable sources. Justify your arguments with reliable sources. Religious arguments should be backed up with Quranic or Hadith evidence, along with reliable Islamic scholarship or academic articles. More information on concepts in Effective Altruism might be found on the Effective Altruism Forum Wiki, 80000 Hours, ‘Most Important Century’ blog series, or in any of these books about Effective Altruism. Ensure you cite any sources used, and avoid plagiarism.

4. Prioritize readability. Although these are often complex questions, try to avoid overly dense, jargon-filled, or ‘academese’ writing. Focus on the clarity of your arguments, and be as concise as possible. However, do not feel constrained by a word-count; the article should be as long or as short as necessary to address the topic clearly.

5. Above all, the articles should be intellectually honest, humble, neutral, impartial, and interesting. Use your best judgment to reach these success criteria – if an aspect of the topic that isn’t listed here seems interesting to you, please feel free to explore it!

List of Themes

• EA-style rationalism, prioritization, and Islamic thought
  • Evidence-based reasoning, rationalism in Islam. 
  • What is the history of this form of thought? When, how, and why has it been used?
  •  What criticisms have been leveled at this form of thinking? 
  • How might Muslims today think about using rationalist thinking to address problems in the world?
  • History of Muslim scholarship and the Scientific method
    • How might the focus on education and knowledge-acquisition in Islam relate to effective altruist ideas?
  • The idea of ‘maximizing impact’ in Islam – similarities and differences between Islamic thinking and utilitarianism.
    • Discuss the concept of Moral Prioritization in the discipline of Maqasid Al-Sharia
    • How might Islamic concepts of ‘public/common good’ or striving for Ihsan (excellence) relate to maximising impact?

• Islam and Longtermism
  • Do Muslims have a duty to future generations? Why/why not?
  • How does the Islamic concept of Sadaqah Jariyah, ongoing charity, or the waqf relate to the effective altruist idea of long-term impact?
  • How might Islamic eschatology (views about what will happen at the end of this world) change how Muslims view EA-type longtermist thinking?
    •  How might it change how Muslims think about working in careers focused on avoiding existential risk?

• Humans as vicegerents (khalifa) of Allah on Earth
  • what duties, responsibilities and moral imperatives might this confer upon us?
    •  towards other humans alive today
    • towards other humans in the future
    • towards the planet itself
      • Climate change
      • X-risk
    • towards animals

• Moral Concern and Islamic thought
  • Broad definitions/descriptions of moral concern from Islamic perspectives (e.g., all humans are equal in the eyes of God, moral priorities such as well-being and charity)
  • Discuss the concept of moral worth/value in Islamic thought: is promoting the wellbeing of individuals closer in proximity (location or time) or family ties considered a greater moral imperative?
    • Is taking care of a poor relative more important than taking care of a poorer non-relative?
    • The (Expanding) Moral Circle – explore similarities and differences between and within Islamic and Effective Altruist thinking on this topic.
  • What about based on religion? Do Muslims have a greater duty to prioritize the welfare of Muslims than that of non-Muslims?
  • How about animals? Is the suffering of some animals (e.g. a cow) worse than others (e.g. an ant)? Can animal welfare be prioritized in a world where so many humans are also suffering?
    • Vegetarianism in Islam
    • Animal welfare – what duties do Muslims have to farmed animals? To wild animals? Are these being fulfilled in the real world by Halal-branded products? What practical changes should Muslims make/campaign for on animal welfare?

• Islam and philanthropy as a lifestyle
  • List 5 – 10 prominent Muslim philanthropists or philanthropic movements from history – what can we learn about maximizing our positive impact from them?
  • Discuss the concept of ‘earning to give’ from an Islamic perspective.
  • How can we do the most good with our zakat, sadaqah, and other charitable giving?
  • How might an Islamic perspective on wealth, responsibility, and social justice shape the way that effective altruists approach issues such as global poverty and income inequality?
  • Do individuals have a personal responsibility to combat structural problems like poverty or inequality, or does this responsibility belong to governments?