Inrushes of the Heart: An Introduction to ʿAyn al-Quḍāt
In this course we will introduce the famous philosopher, mystic, and poet ʿAyn al-Quḍāt Hamadānī (d. 1131).
A working command of the vocabulary of Islamic metaphysics — wujūd, māhiyya, the gradation of being — used precisely, not loosely.
The capacity to read primary texts of Ibn Sīnā and Mullā Ṣadrā with comprehension rather than reverence alone.
An understanding of why the tradition treats metaphysics as the science of realities — and what that claim asks of the knower.
Direct exchange with Professor Nasr in open Q&A after every session — the part no book can replace.
A syllabus, not a playlist.
Description
In this course we will introduce the famous philosopher, mystic, and poet ʿAyn al-Quḍāt Hamadānī (d. 1131). A student of Aḥmad al-Ghazālī (d. 1126), ʿAyn al-Quḍāt was a religious judge and spiritual teacher who was put to death by the Seljuq government at the age of thirty-four, ostensibly on charges of “heresy.” Having come to terms with ʿAyn al-Quḍāt’s life, martyrdom, and self-perception as a teacher and scholar extraordinaire, we will then venture into an in-depth analysis of his writings, carefully unpacking his highly original teachings on God, cosmology, human agency, spiritual practice, imagination, death, knowledge, scripture, beauty, and love.
Texts
Rustom, Inrushes of the Heart: The Sufi Philosophy of ʿAyn al-Quḍāt
Faruque and Rustom, “ʿAyn al-Qudat” (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/al-qudat/)
Schedule of Meetings & Readings
October 22
Topic: Autobiography and Advice
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, introduction; chapters 1 and 2
October 29
Topic: Metaphysics and Theology
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapters 3 and 4
November 5
Topic: Imaginalization and Death
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 5
November 12
Topic: Knowledge and the Way
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapters 6 and 7
November 19
Topic: Quranic Origins
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 8
November 26
Topic: Muhammad and Iblis
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 9
December 3
Topic: Love and Beauty
Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 10
Mohammed Rustom is Professor of Islamic Thought at Carleton University and Executive Director of the Tokat Institute for Advanced Islamic Studies.
