We are thrilled to announce that Asma Hadidi’s presentation, “Sufism in America: A Narrative of Attempts to Construct an American Religion,” has been accepted by the Islam section of the American Academy of Religion Southeast Region for presentation at the annual meeting! The 2025 meeting will take place at Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida, from March 7-9, 2025. In this interview, Asma shares her academic journey, including her transition from solid-state physics to religious studies, her research interests, and her experiences at GSU. She also offers advice for prospective students and insights into her hobbies. Congratulations, Asma! Read more below.Could you introduce yourself with your name, where you're from, educational background, and area of interest?
I am Asma Hadidi; I am from the Northwestern part of Iran. I earned my bachelor's in solid-state physics and then shifted to the humanities, and I earned a master's in religion and mysticism in my home country, Iran. I started my second master's in religious studies here at GSU in 2023. My research interests lie primarily in religion, embodiment, and materiality. I would like to work on subjects like bodily aspects of religion, specifically among Muslims, Islam, and the material culture in the contemporary world, as well as physical aspects of religious rituals and how they shape one's identity and belief system.
What has been the most memorable part of your experience in the MA program so far?
Having a chance to meet new people, get to know them, and become friends are the best parts of my experiences. I found friends, I had an opportunity to learn from excellent professors and mentors, and I met some of the most remarkable individuals in my life.
Which classes, lectures, or topics have been your favorites?
Each class is unique in its own sense, and I enjoyed every single lecture I've experienced. Still and all, the courses on Womanist Ethnography and 21st Century Conversations Christianity opened up new perspectives for me in Religious Studies, where I was exposed to a novel set of ideas and theories.
Have you attended or participated in any conferences? If so, please share some details!
I presented at two conferences and one book review colloquium. At the USA Implicit Religion Conference, I did a presentation on "Sufi Performance, an Embodied Component of Knowledge." The topic of my presentation at the WGST Conference at the University of South Carolina was "How Are Women's Bodies Ignored Under Hijab Laws/Policies?" I also presented my review of The Racial Muslim book in the 7th Graduate Student Book Review at George Mason University, held online.
What projects are you currently working on or have worked on this year?
I am working on my presentation at the Implicit Religion conference, and its paper will be published in the Implicit Religion special of the Journal of Beliefs and Values (Taylor & Francis) next year.
What advice would you offer prospective students considering a degree in Religious Studies?
Do not limit yourselves to specific topics and resources; read different sources, try to learn various methodologies and historical trajectories, and improve your soft skills. Humanities should be about humans! Be present in the community, talk to people, make professional relationships and networks, be curious and observant, and learn one small thing every single day about a religious/spiritual tradition.
What are your plans after graduating from GSU?
I am applying to PhD this year and hope to start the doctoral program next year. After graduation, I also plan to start a book club focusing on books with religion-related stories and content.
Outside of school, what are some of your interests and hobbies? What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
Reading was my favorite hobby from a very early age and still is. Beyond reading, I love to watch horror movies, mysterious TV shows, and true crime. On top of all that, I love watching football. (It is called soccer in the State, but it is FOOTBALL, the actual football 😀 ) I am a big fan of Manchester United FC.
What I am currently watching: A Discovery of Witches TV show
I am currently listening to The audiobook "The Life and Legacy of Muhammad," recorded by Professor Maria Dakake, an Islamic Studies scholar at George Mason University