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Danishgah Blvd. , Pardisan , Qom , Iran

Islamic Mysticism

222222

Short Course on

Islamic Mysticism

(The teachings of Ibn Arabi and its implications for contemporary man)

Ibn Arabi

Overview

Baqir al-Olum University, in collaboration with The Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy (ISCA) and Iranian Institute of Philosophy, intends to hold a short course on “Islamic Mysticism”.

This course aims to provide the participants with a better understanding of the history of Islamic Mysticism and Muslim mystics.

Within the course, topics such as the relationship between religion, spirituality and mysticism; the conflicts and disagreements between the various Islamic schools of thought, and the life, thought and position of Ibn Arabi will be explored.

This course is catered to those who have a basic understanding of Islam and mysticism and who wish to further it. 

  

Objectives of the course:

  1. To introduce the historical changes of Islamic Mysticism
  2. To introduce the relationship between Islam and mysticism
  3. To introduce some of the critiques against Islamic Mysticism and the responses to them
  4. To make clear the distinction between Islamic Mysticism and contemporary new spirituality

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the participant should:

  1. Become acquainted with the core issues of Islamic Mysticism
  2. Become acquainted with the relationship between Islam and mysticism, and the relationship between Shi’ism and mysticism
  3. Become aware of the critiques and questions against Islam and the responses to them
  4. To have a well-grounded understanding of the distinction between pure Islamic Mysticism and other new spirituality trends 

Certification

The certificate of the course will be issued by Baqir al-Olum University, in collaboration with The Islamic Sciences and Culture Academy (ISCA) and Iranian Institute of Philosophy.

Head Instructors

The lead instructor of the course is Dr. Mohammad Fanaei Eshkevari.

Some of the other course instructors are:

  • Ustad Sayyid Yadollah Yazdanpanah
  • Ustad Hasan Ramazani
  • Ustad Ahmad Hossein Sharifi
  • Dr. Amir Diwani
  • Dr. Mohammad Suri
  • Dr. William Chittick
  • Dr. Muhammad Legenhausen

Location:

The course will be held in the cities of Qom and Tehran, IR of Iran

Date:

December 2022 – January 2023

Fees: 700€

Fees for in -person attendance (including accommodation, local transportation, educational programs and some visits)

Deadline for Registration:

October 30th, 2022

Notes:

– The in-person course will include visits to some important and historical sites and symbols of Islamic mysticism within the IR of Iran.

– The course content will be delivered in English

– All materials presented in the course will be provided to the participants.

– The duration of the course is a 5 days plus 3 days for visits.

Application

 Note: Please enter the requested items carefully and completely.

Course Application Form

Program details

General Course Outline

RowSubjectContents
1The History of Islamic MysticismMystics and mystical texts from the 1st to the 3rd century AH Mystics and mystical texts from the 3rd to the 6th century AH Mystics and mystical texts from the 6th to the 10th century AH Mystics and mystical texts from the 10th century to the present day
2Islamic Mysticism in the Qur’an and Prophetic TraditionsTheoretical Mysticism in the Qur’an and Prophetic Traditions Unity of Existence; 2. The Muhammadan Reality; 3. The Perfect Man Practical Mysticism in the Qur’an and Prophetic Traditions Asceticism; 2. Sincerity and Purity; 3. Absorption; 4. Cleansing; 5. Submission; 6, Adornment.  
3The Relationship between Shi’ism and Islamic MysticismThe Noble Prophet’s response to Sufism; the response of the Imams towards mysticism and Sufism; explaining and analyzing the traditions that criticize Sufis; the criteria of Shia mysticism 
4Practical Islamic MysticismThe relationship between theoretical and practical mysticism; states and levels; the preliminaries to wayfaring and its destinations; the four spiritual journeys; mystical attraction and confrontation  
5Critique of the Orientalist view regarding Islamic MysticismA critique and analysis of the opinions of Nicholson, Corbin, Chittick, Izutsu, Schimmel, Massignon, Ritter, Ernst, Lings, Stace, Smith, Forman and others regarding Islamic Mysticism    
6Critique of ‘Contemporary Mysticism’ from the view of Islamic MysticismDefinition and dimension of ‘Cotemporary Mysticism’ (Origins, levels and factors of its spread) Critiquing the teachings of ‘Contemporary Mysticism’ from an Islamic Mysticism standpoint (e.g. the position of man within ‘Contemporary Mysticism’; a critique of its methodology, rituals and objectives.
7The Philosophy of Islamic MysticismUnderstanding the method and methodology of Islamic Mysticism; the essence of mystical unveilings and witnessing; mystical language; the relationship between mysticism and religion; reason for opposing mystical claims; mysticism and philosophy
8Epistemology of Islamic MysticismCategorizing mystical unveilings; epistemological validity of mystical unveilings; conflicting mystical unveilings; the relationship between the intellect and mystical unveiling.   
9The Debates and Disagreements of the Mystics with the Theologians, Philosophers and JuristsMysticism being imported into Islam from outside of Islam; the conflict of mysticism with the intellect; the contradiction of mystical teachings with religious tenets
10Islamic Mysticism and Society
Individualism and collectivism in Islamic Mysticism; social teachings of theoretical mysticism; social practices within practical mysticism (the journey from Truth to creation, sacrifice, giving a helping hand to the destitute, etc.)

Contact us by:

WhatsApp: +98 990 814 9747
E-mail: international.affairs@bou_root

Recommended readings

1. A Brief Introduction to Ibn Arabi

2. An Introduction to Islamic Mysticism