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Introduction

May 4, 2016 | Comments Off on Introduction

Islam is at the center of many discussions taking place in America and in the world today. American perceptions of the religion are often influenced by media portrayals of Muslims, and by the horrific acts of terrorism that have been brought into the spotlight in recent years. It’s easy to lose sight of the true […]

Week 9: The Ghazal

May 4, 2016 | Comments Off on Week 9: The Ghazal

This image depicts the ghazal as sacred poetry, and represents one of the major motifs of ghazals throughout history: wine drinking. In the foreground of the picture are a book and pen, representing the presence of the author. Farther from the camera is a wine bottle filled with light. Drinking wine and being drunk are often […]

Week 8: Music, Dance, and Poetry in Sufi Piety

May 3, 2016 | Comments Off on Week 8: Music, Dance, and Poetry in Sufi Piety

Video For this week, I was inspired by the artistic elements of Sufi piety. Music and dance both play large roles in Sufism, although they are sometimes looked down on and seen as unholy or forbidden in other areas of Islam. However, to some, they are integral to the worship process and help the individual feel […]

Week 12: Sufi Rock

May 3, 2016 | Comments Off on Week 12: Sufi Rock

For this week, I chose to focus on one fascinating aspect of the way Islam is portrayed in the world today: Sufi rock. In addition to being simply a form of entertainment, Sufi rock music has been utilized in programs to alter the way in which Islam is presented. In Rebel Music, Hisham D. Aidi discusses a […]