The following two articles recently appeared by Dr. Clara Srouji-Shajrawi:

The first is: “A Model for Applying Jauss’ Reception Theory: The Role of Rumors in the Reception of “Memory in the Flesh””, in Madarat (Orbits) – Studies in Thought, Culture and Literature, vol. 6 (2013), 1-23.
This paper suggests a model for applying the Reception Theory to the modern Arabic novel. The model points to the extra- and intra-literary criteria that determine the success or failure of a literary text. The application of these criteria to the novel “Memory in the Flesh” points to an additional factor which has played a positive role in the reception of the novel, namely: rumors. These rumors, circulating in various media, reflect the reception of Mustaghānamī’s novel by the wide public.

The second article is: "The Role of Religion in al-Fārābī’s Virtuous City”, in Al-Majma‘: Studies in Arabic Language, Literature and Thought, vol. 6 (2012), 1-36.
Two main points are discussed in this article:

1. The interaction between philosophy, religion and politics within the hierarchical system of al-Farabi’s political philosophy. Al-Farabi believes that only “certain philosophy” can provide virtuous rulership and virtuous religion.

2. The kind and degree of al-Farabi’s commitment to Shī‘ism especially considering his personal prayer known as “Magnificent Invocation" (Du'a' 'azīm) which was ignored by previous researchers.
The conclusion: al-Farabi’s thought is far from Sunni Islam and cannot be accepted within traditional Islamic circles, yet it is compatible with Shi'ite Isma'īliyya.

In addition, Dr. Shajrawi participated in the Annual Conference in Memory of Prof. David Semah, which was held at University of Haifa. Her presentation was on “al-Razi versus al-Farabi on the Multiplicity of Religions”

Two distinctive perspectives, within the context of Arabic-Islamic philosophy, are represented: al-Razi’s versus al-Farabi’s, both from the tenth century. The importance of the subject stems from the fact that a multiplicity of religions exist in the world, each claiming to be true and authentic. Al-Razi’s solution to the problem is simply by eliminating all religions for the benefit of the socio-political life. Al-Farabi is not against a diversity of religions within the same community, as long as they represent and contain an essential philosophical truth. The two views are antithetical, but their application, as claimed in the lecture, requires the separation of religion from state.