Atif Khalil
Join the live classDescription
This course will provide an overview of the Islamic tradition, articulated from its own point of view, through the lens of the Hadith of Gabriel, with special attention to the concepts of islam (“surrender” or “submission”), iman (“faith” or “belief”) and ihsan (“doing the beautiful”). The aim is to present an integral perspective which reflects the tradition’s understanding of the role and place of the body, soul, and spirit in one’s relationship with God and how to use them to realize the teleological end of human life. In the process, we shall go over the place of law, theology, philosophy, ethics, and mysticism in the economy of Islam.
Text
Chittick and Murata, The Vision of Islam
Prerequisite
Although this course engages advanced themes, it is designed to be accessible to learners at all levels. No prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition is required.
Learning Outcome
By the end of the course, students will have developed the tools and perspectives necessary to thoughtfully engage with the Islamic tradition in general, and the themes covered in this course in particular.
Readings
Assigned readings are to be completed prior to each class (see Schedule of Meetings and Readings).
Class Structure
Each class is ninety minutes long, with fifty minutes allotted to the lecture and the remaining forty minutes to Q&A.
Q&A Protocol
Students may pose questions to the instructor via Zoom’s “raise hand” feature or its chat box. The instructor will respond to questions during and/or after the lecture.
Follow-Up
Students are welcome to contact the instructor outside of class for clarification, further discussion, or academic guidance.
Schedule of Meetings & Readings
April 6
Topics: Method and Theory in the Study of Islam should be on one line, and Hadith of Gabriel should be on the line under
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
April 13
Topics: Four meanings of Islam should be on one line and Islam and Nature on the line under (basically he is covering two topics on each of those days)
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
April 20
Topic: Islam: Law
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
April 27
Topic: Islam: Rituals and Rites 1
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
April 29
Topic: Islam: Rituals and Rites 2
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
May 4
Topic: Iman: The Divine Names
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
May 11
Topic: Iman: Prophecy, Death, and the Return
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
May 18
Topic: Ihsan: Beauty, Virtue, and Spirituality
Readings: Vision of Islam, pp. to be announced
