Course information and syllabus for Islamic Spirituality, Fall 2007

This course explores Islamic spirituality by going through mystical interpretations of both the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet. We will also look at the development of Islamic spiritual thought and practices in history. The course will remain anchored by focusing on important personalities in the mystical tradition of Islam through their literature and poetry.

Meeting Day, Time and Dates:
Thursdays from 7 to 9:20 p.m., beginning September 13

Ibrahim Abu-Rabi'
Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations

Contact Information:
phone: (860) 509-9515
email: aburabi@hartsem.edu

Dr. Abu-Rabi's web page

Course Syllabus

REQUIRED READING:

BOOKS

1. Annemarie Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam (University of North Carolina Press);
2. William Chittick, Sufism: A Short Introduction (Oneworld Publications)
3. M. Watt, The Faith and Practice of al-Ghazali (Oneworld Publications).
4. Leslie Cadavid, tr., Two Who Attained: Twentieth-Century Sufi Saints: Shaykh Ahmad al-‘Alawi and Fatima al-Yashrutiyya [Fons Vitae].
5. Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari, The Key To Salvation (Islamic Texts Society);
6. M. Fethullah Gulen, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism: Emerald Hills of the Heart [www.thelightpublishing.com].

ARTICLES:

1) Emelie Olson, “The Use of Religious Symbol Systems and Rituals in Turkey: Women’s Activities at Saints’ Shrines.” The Muslim World, volume 84(July-October 1984): 202-216.

2) Frances Trix, “’When Christians Became Dervishes: Affirming Albanian Muslim and Christian Unity through Dialogue’.” The Muslim World, volume 85(3-4) July-October 1995: 280-294.

3) “Sufism, Creativity and Exile: An Interview with Seyyed Hossein Nasr.” Jusoor, 7/8, 1996, pp. 131-158.

COURSE OUTLINE

1) First Week: Introduction: Development of Early Islamic Mysticism

2) Second Week: Development of Early Islamic Mysticism

Reading: Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, pp. 3-97.

3) Third Week: Foundations and Key Terms in Sufism

Reading: Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, pp. 98-227

4) Fourth Week: Essence of Mysticism
Reading: Ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari, The Key To Salvation.

5) Fifth Week: Those Who Attained
Reading: Leslie Cadavid, tr., Two Who Attained: Twentieth-Century Sufi Saints: Shaykh Ahmad al-‘Alawi and Fatima al-Yashrutiyya; pp. 1-105.

6) Sixth Week: Those Who Attained
Reading: Leslie Cadavid, tr., Two Who Attained: Twentieth-Century Sufi Saints: Shaykh Ahmad al-‘Alawi and Fatima al-Yashrutiyya; pp. 106 to the end of the book.

7) Seventh Week: Those Who Attained
Reading: Preceding reading: Leslie Cadavid, tr., Two Who Attained: Twentieth-Century Sufi Saints: Shaykh Ahmad al-‘Alawi and Fatima al-Yashrutiyya.

8) Eighth Week: Ghazali and Sufism
Reading: Watt, The Faith and Practice of al-Ghazali

9) Ninth Week: Ghazali and Sufism
Reading: Watt, The Faith and Practice of al-Ghazali

10) Tenth Week: Contemporary Spirituality
Reading: 1) Emelie Olson, “The Use of Religious Symbol Systems and Rituals in Turkey: Women’s Activities at Saints’ Shrines.” The Muslim World, volume 84(July-October 1984): 202-216; 2) Frances Trix, “’When Christians Became Dervishes: Affirming Albanian Muslim and Christian Unity through Dialogue’.” The Muslim World, volume 85(3-4) July-October 1995: 280-294; and 3)) “Sufism, Creativity and Exile: An Interview with Seyyed Hossein Nasr.” Jusoor, 7/8, 1996, pp. 131-158.

11) Twelfth Week: Sufism in India and Pakistan
Reading: Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam; pp. 344-402.

12) FINAL SESSION

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. One book review. Your book review
1. William Chittick, Sufism: A Short Introduction (Oneworld Publications);
2. M. Fethullah Gulen, Key Concepts in the Practice of Sufism: Emerald Hills of the Heart [www.thelightpublishing.com].

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