JOBS: Illume Magazine Call for Submissions

I was just sent this note today by Javed Ali, director of Illume Magazine. If you are a writer please read on...

Illume Magazine is an independent media publication that aims to connect to the peoples of America and to the global electronic community in an effort to present the beauty of Islam through web and print media. .

In recent years, Islam has seen an increase in attention from the mainstream media, but this attention generally presents a distorted image of Islam, which avoids addressing critical issues. The mainstream media is flooded with misinformation regarding Islam, and this is largely due to ignorance. However, the reality of the situation is that a large body of informed perspectives exists outside the mainstream. Illume seeks to act as an alternative media outlet for these perspectives.

We are looking for submissions for our Post 9/11 and Islamophobia Issues.

Please refer to our Submissions Guideline before sending your articles.

Deadline: September 30, 2007
Print: November 2007

Email: november@illumemedia.org

Islam may very well be the fastest growing religion in the world, but most Westerners are reluctant to see it as a harmonious way of life or universal faith to gain understanding from. The experiences we share in a post 9/11 world are something to be discussed at length and this is just the time to bring it to light. The staff of Illume is looking for submissions that address the ongoing conflict of ideology and methodology when principles of the East meet with those of the West. Below you will find themes to guide your research.

Xenophobia toward Muslims in literature, film and general imagery and how this has an effect on the perceptions of ordinary Americans- Seeking a feature length, in depth sociological analysis of contemporary anti-Islamic literature and films in addition to how images are used in propaganda to perpetuate stereotypes and to increase fear, anxiety and suspicion of Muslims.

Anti-Islamic laws and social practices in predominantly Muslim countries- While certain countries may continue to uphold “extreme religious” customs, others are leaning toward a more Westernized push in the daily lives of their citizens. Are Muslims experiencing an inferiority complex? For example, consider Turkey ’s ban on hijab (khimar) and Tunisia ’s pending ban. Illume will consider publishing original commentary, news briefs and general updates on what has happened to women (or men) who resist these laws as a means of civil disobedience.

Legal Double standards in the US judicial system as they relate to Muslims- How have laws affected Muslim citizens who are completely innocent of “conspiracies” and “terrorism”? What are the experiences like of those who have been harassed or detained due to these laws? Illume is particularly interested in hearing the perspective of non Muslims in this regard. More specifically, we are looking to publish memoirs of Asian (Japanese) American citizens who lived in internment camps.

Everyday struggles of Muslim converts and how they relate to biological relatives that don’t share the same faith- What’s it like to cope with bigotry and/or discrimination when it comes from your own families? How do you gently combat these challenges when it comes to loved ones without “severing ties”?

Discrimination in the workplace for men and women- Do your religious practices or dress code affect employee-to-employer relations? Have you ever lost a job on account of your differing spiritual preferences? Illume readers would love to read the stories of hard working individuals who may or may not have had employment terminated due to being Muslim. Even if you didn’t lose a job, has it become more difficult or awkward because you are perceived as “different”? Or, did you initially experience discrimination and later resolved this with employers or co-workers?


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Submissions must be an original work by the submitting author.

Attachments should be in an Microsoft Word Document.

You may submit up to 2 submissions.

Each submission should cover a different topic.

Include your name, email address, thumbnail photo (JPEG) and a 4-line bio along with your submission.

Copyright must be owned by submitting author.

Please use and cite as much supporting documentation as possible when writing your commentary (footnotes).

Please have your submissions thoroughly edited before you submit it.

There is no guarantee that your submission will be published.

If your submission is selected for inclusion in Illume Magazine, you will be sent a release form to complete.

You will still own the copyright to your commentary.

There is no monetary compensation for your submission.

However, you will receive a free copy of the magazine if your submission is included.

Please refer all questions to editor@illumemedia.org