Join the 'Alif community for an exciting exploration of Islamic theology.
This nine-week reading group facilitated by Yusuf Asghar will give an opportunity to read and discuss the Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology, edited by Tim Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
This nine-week reading group facilitated by Yusuf Asghar will give an opportunity to read and discuss the Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology, edited by Tim Winter (Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad).
About the text
"This series of critical reflections on the evolution and major themes of pre-modern Muslim theology begins with the revelation of the Koran, and extends to the beginnings of modernity in the eighteenth century. The significance of Islamic theology reflects the immense importance of Islam in the history of monotheism, to which it has brought a unique approach and style, and a range of solutions which are of abiding interest. Devoting especial attention to questions of rationality, scriptural fidelity, and the construction of 'orthodoxy', this volume introduces key Muslim theories of revelation, creation, ethics, scriptural interpretation, law, mysticism, and eschatology. Throughout the treatment is firmly set in the historical, social and political context in which Islam's distinctive understanding of God evolved. Despite its importance, Islamic theology has been neglected in recent scholarship, and this book provides a unique, scholarly but accessible introduction."
"This series of critical reflections on the evolution and major themes of pre-modern Muslim theology begins with the revelation of the Koran, and extends to the beginnings of modernity in the eighteenth century. The significance of Islamic theology reflects the immense importance of Islam in the history of monotheism, to which it has brought a unique approach and style, and a range of solutions which are of abiding interest. Devoting especial attention to questions of rationality, scriptural fidelity, and the construction of 'orthodoxy', this volume introduces key Muslim theories of revelation, creation, ethics, scriptural interpretation, law, mysticism, and eschatology. Throughout the treatment is firmly set in the historical, social and political context in which Islam's distinctive understanding of God evolved. Despite its importance, Islamic theology has been neglected in recent scholarship, and this book provides a unique, scholarly but accessible introduction."
Registration
If you are interested in participating, please contact Jared Morningstar at jaredmorningstar@protonmail.com to confirm your registration. Note, limited spots are available. As such, please only register for this reading group if you can commit to the nine-week duration and plan to attend the majority of the sessions to the best of your ability. If you would like assistance locating a copy of the text, don't hesitate to reach out as well. Recordings of discussions will be available privately for participants in the case that they wish to review the material at a later date or were unable to attend a session.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Jared Morningstar at jaredmorningstar@protonmail.com to confirm your registration. Note, limited spots are available. As such, please only register for this reading group if you can commit to the nine-week duration and plan to attend the majority of the sessions to the best of your ability. If you would like assistance locating a copy of the text, don't hesitate to reach out as well. Recordings of discussions will be available privately for participants in the case that they wish to review the material at a later date or were unable to attend a session.
Schedule
Session 1, February 5th
Introduction & Qur’an and hadith
Introduction & Qur’an and hadith
Session 2, February 12th
The early creed & Islamic philosophy (falsafa)
The early creed & Islamic philosophy (falsafa)
Session 3, February 19th
The developed kalām tradition & The social construction of orthodoxy
The developed kalām tradition & The social construction of orthodoxy
Session 4, February 26th
God: essence and attributes & Creation
God: essence and attributes & Creation
Session 5, March 5th
Ethics & Revelation
Ethics & Revelation
Session 6, March 12th
The existence of God & Worship
The existence of God & Worship
Session 7, March 19th
Theological dimensions of Islamic law
Theological dimensions of Islamic law
Session 8, March 26th
Theology & Sufism
Theology & Sufism
Session 9, April 2nd
Epistemology and divine discourse & Eschatology
Epistemology and divine discourse & Eschatology
Suggested Donation
Facilitating this type of learning experience requires a lot of time and energy, and as such, compensating those who make it possible is strongly recommended. We encourage a donation of $30 USD to this end, but this is not a precondition for participation and we wish to ensure this opportunity is accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
Facilitating this type of learning experience requires a lot of time and energy, and as such, compensating those who make it possible is strongly recommended. We encourage a donation of $30 USD to this end, but this is not a precondition for participation and we wish to ensure this opportunity is accessible regardless of financial circumstances.