Community Resources

We empower the alumnus of Elite Circle Stage II, a vibrant community of over 300 faith-driven professionals and academics, to integrate Islamic perspectives into their fields of expertise. Our approach centers on three core pillars:

Digital and handwritten brainstorming tools on a wooden desk, ideal for business and study contexts.

1. Community Research Circles

Research circles form the heart of our community-driven approach. These groups of 4-10 professionals work together to explore Islamic perspectives in their fields through:

Structured Progression: From foundational research to advanced integration
Peer Learning: Regular discussions and collaborative projects
Expert Mentorship: Guidance from experienced researchers and Islamic scholars
Quality Standards: Clear frameworks and peer review processes

2. Towards Qur’anic Narration (TQN) Framework

We guide researchers through a systematic methodology for integrating Islamic perspectives with contemporary knowledge:

Foundation Phase: Understanding personal position and journey
Understanding Phase: Building deep literacy in both field and Islamic knowledge
Critical Analysis: Systematic examination and integration
Implementation: Developing practical applications
Narration: Articulating integrated perspectives

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3. Publications

We provide multiple channels for sharing research and insights:

Academic Publications: Through Afkar Journal
Professional Articles: Case studies and practical applications
Community Resources: Guides and frameworks for practitioners
Public Engagement: Making complex ideas accessible

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Get Involved

Propose a Research Circle

Have an idea for integrating Islamic perspectives in your field? Submit a proposal for a new research circle. We’re looking for:

Clear research focus aligned with TQN framework
4-10 committed participants
Dedication to regular meetings and collaborative work
Willingness to document and share findings

Submit Proposal

Learn more

Join the Waiting List

Interested but not ready to lead a circle? Join our waiting list to:

Be notified when new circles form in your field
Connect with potential research collaborators
Access preliminary resources and guidance
Participate in occasional open sessions

Join Waiting List

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements & Prerequisites

Who can join research circles?

Currently, research circles are exclusively open to Elite Circle Stage II alumni who have completed the program, as the circles build upon foundations established during Stage II.

Do I need to be a researcher or academic to join?

No. We welcome practitioners from all fields. The key requirement is commitment to exploring Islamic perspectives in your area of expertise, whether you’re a professional, practitioner, or academic.

What’s the minimum qualification needed?

You need to have:
– Completed EC Stage II
– Professional or academic experience in your field
– Commitment to regular participation
– Willingness to document and share learnings

Do I need prior research experience?

No prior formal research experience is required. The foundational level of research circles is designed to help members develop research skills systematically.

Can I propose a topic that wasn’t covered in Stage II?

Yes, you can explore any field or topic where Islamic perspectives can meaningfully contribute, even if it wasn’t specifically covered in Stage II.

I haven’t written anything since Stage II. Can I still join?

Yes. Research circles are designed to help members restart and develop their writing and research skills gradually, starting from wherever they are currently.

What technical tools do I need to participate?

You’ll need:
– Reliable internet connection for online meetings
– Device for video calls (computer/laptop preferred)
– Access to basic document editing tools
– WhatsApp for regular communication

Do I need to be fluent in Arabic to participate?

No. While some Arabic literacy is helpful, it’s not a requirement. Some scope of issues might not need a specialized Arabic literacy at all.

Do I need to write papers in English?

While we encourage English for wider accessibility, you can write initial drafts in Bahasa Indonesia. We can provide guidance for English translation later if needed for publication.

What if my English isn’t very strong yet?

Don’t let this stop you. We focus on the quality of ideas first, and language support is available through peer review and mentoring.

About Research Circles

What will I gain from joining a research circle?

We aim for members to gain:
– Sharpen their positioning and contribution in their area of expertise
– Structured methodology for understanding and integrating Islamic perspectives in their field
– Regular mentoring and feedback on their work
– Network of like-minded professionals
– Publication opportunities
– Deeper understanding of Islamic approaches to contemporary issues

How many people are needed to form a research circle?

Each circle requires 4-10 participants. This size ensures meaningful collaboration while remaining manageable.

What are the core commitments required?

Core commitments include:
– Regular attendance at circle meetings (typically 2 hours bi-weekly)
– Independent study and preparation (3-4 hours/week)
– Active participation in discussions
– Contribution to collaborative documentation
– Commitment to completing agreed deliverables

How long does a research circle run?

Each level has different estimated durations:
– Level 1 (Foundational): 4-6 months
– Level 2 (Analytical): +6 months
– Level 3 (Integrative): +6 months
– Level 4 (Advanced): +8 months

What are the expected outputs?

Depending on your circle’s level, outputs include:
– Literature reviews
– Concept maps
– Case studies
– Framework documents
– Publication drafts
– Practical guidelines

Must all circle members be from the same professional field?

No, but members should share a common research interest or focus area. Interdisciplinary perspectives are welcome as long as there’s a clear integration goal.

What kind of support does Afkar Institute provide to research circles?

We provide:
– Connection to a mentor from our core team
– Access to our Towards Qur’anic Narration (TQN) framework
– Documentation templates and guides
– Regular feedback and review sessions

How many circles can be active at once?

Currently, we can effectively support 2-3 active circles at a time due to mentorship capacity. Additional proposals are waitlisted for future cohorts.

Where can circle research be published?

For now, research outputs can be published through:
– Afkar Journal (for academic papers) – We currently is evaluating the journal.
– Afkar’s Medium publication (for professional articles)
– Research circle documentation (for internal reference)

What happens after my circle completes its term?

You can:
– Progress to a higher level with your circle
– Join or start a new circle with a different focus
– Serve as a mentor for new circles
– Continue contributing through other Afkar initiatives

How long does the proposal review process take?

Initial review could takes 2-3 weeks. We work with approved proposals to refine the research focus and identify additional participants if needed.

Practical Concerns

Can I participate while working full-time?

Yes. Most of our circle members are working professionals. Activities are scheduled around members’ availability, typically in evenings or weekends.

Do we need to meet in person?

No. All activities are conducted online through video calls and collaborative tools to accommodate members from different locations across Indonesia.

Is there any fee to join a research circle?

No. Research circles are a free collaborative learning initiative for EC Stage II alumni.

What if I miss some meetings due to work commitments?

We understand work priorities can shift. Circles typically set their own attendance policies, but most require at least 75% attendance to maintain momentum.

Can I pause my participation if work gets busy?

While we understand professional demands, consistent participation is key for circle success. If you need to pause, we recommend:
– Discussing with your circle members
– Completing current commitments
– Planning a clear return timeline

Can I join multiple circles at once?

We recommend focusing on one circle at a time to ensure you can fully contribute and benefit from the experience.

I’m interested but not ready to lead a circle. What are my options?

You can join our waiting list to be notified when circles form in your area of interest, or participate in open sessions to learn more about the process.