Hello. I couldn’t help but notice that you were sitting alone. I was wondering if you would like some company. It’s such a lovely day it would be a shame not to fill it with company and tea. You’re sure you don’t mind? Wonderful! My name is Marina. I’m from around here, which I’m sure […]
In week 12 Professor Asani discussed the ways in which literature and art function as forms of critique and resistance to contemporary Islamic ideologies. Asani utilized the example of the veil worn by many Muslim women as a custom that art often pushes back against. To provide context, Asani noted that the Quran never commands […]
During week 8, Professor Asani explored music and dance in the Sufi tradition. According to “The Shambhala Guide to Sufism” written by Carl Ernst, “no other aspect of Sufism has been more contentious…than the practice of music and dance” which is dominant but “by no means universally found among Sufis” (179). As Asani explained, Sufi’s […]
During week 10, professor Asani lectured extensively about various forms of literature and arts which populate contemporary Muslim society. One such form is the Masnavi: Sufi Persian narrative epics which follow a double rhyme scheme. The format afforded by Masnavi poetry is often used to discuss and reflect on mysticism, the most famous example of […]
During Week five Professor Asani explored the tension that emerged after the death of the Prophet regarding who would inherit his religious authority. Asani detailed the creation of five different groups which each claimed authority: the Sunni Alim, Sufi Shaykh/Pir, shi’i imams, Mahdi and Sunni Caliph’s. After growing up hearing about the Sunni and […]
During week four, an overarching theme discussed in lecture and described in the readings was that many Muslims model themselves after the life and teachings of the Prophet. As an example of this, Professor Asani described dominant Muslim perspectives of the Prophets Night journey. According to tradition there are two parts of the Prophet’s journey: […]
In the second week of class, Professor Asani stressed that Islam is not separate from other Abrahamic religions but rather incorporates them into its traditions. Asani introduced this topic by describing Ahl Al-Kitab, a term which literally translates into “the people of the book” and refers to the various worshipers, such as Christians and Jews, […]