From the Sacred Canopy to the Haunted Vault

As the incoming editor of an academic journal in the fourth decade of its existence,I must begin with a great deal of trepidation for the task ahead andgratitude to many predecessors: those who envisioned and founded it, andthose who brought it where it is today. “One who does not thank men [andwomen] does not thank God,” goes a saying of Prophet Muhammad (S). Myfirst note of gratitude must go to the outgoing editor, Dr. Zakyi Ibrahim, wholed the journal for several years and has been extremely kind and supportiveover the course of this transition. Equally instrumental was the outgoing bookreview editor, Dr. Mahdi Tourage, who not only managed the book reviewand review essay sections, but also contributed to the forum and reports and,most importantly, worked to expand the scope and diversity of the perspectivesrepresented in the journal. I am also grateful to the outgoing managing editor,Dr. Aliaa Dakroury, who has been available despite the recent loss of her husband,Dr. Mahmoud Eid. My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers go toher and her family ...