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:
- To introduce the historical changes of Islamic Mysticism
- To introduce the relationship between Islam and mysticism
- To introduce some of the critiques against Islamic Mysticism and the responses to them
- To make clear the distinction between Islamic Mysticism and contemporary new spirituality
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the participant should:
- Become acquainted with the core issues of Islamic Mysticism
- Become acquainted with the relationship between Islam and mysticism, and the relationship between Shi’ism and mysticism
- Become aware of the critiques and questions against Islam and the responses to them
- 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.
Program details
General Course Outline
| Row | Subject | Contents |
| 1 | The History of Islamic Mysticism | Mystics 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 |
| 2 | Islamic Mysticism in the Qur’an and Prophetic Traditions | Theoretical 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. |
| 3 | The Relationship between Shi’ism and Islamic Mysticism | The 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 |
| 4 | Practical Islamic Mysticism | The relationship between theoretical and practical mysticism; states and levels; the preliminaries to wayfaring and its destinations; the four spiritual journeys; mystical attraction and confrontation |
| 5 | Critique of the Orientalist view regarding Islamic Mysticism | A critique and analysis of the opinions of Nicholson, Corbin, Chittick, Izutsu, Schimmel, Massignon, Ritter, Ernst, Lings, Stace, Smith, Forman and others regarding Islamic Mysticism |
| 6 | Critique of ‘Contemporary Mysticism’ from the view of Islamic Mysticism | Definition 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. |
| 7 | The Philosophy of Islamic Mysticism | Understanding 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 |
| 8 | Epistemology of Islamic Mysticism | Categorizing mystical unveilings; epistemological validity of mystical unveilings; conflicting mystical unveilings; the relationship between the intellect and mystical unveiling. |
| 9 | The Debates and Disagreements of the Mystics with the Theologians, Philosophers and Jurists | Mysticism being imported into Islam from outside of Islam; the conflict of mysticism with the intellect; the contradiction of mystical teachings with religious tenets |
| 10 | Islamic 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
