Contemplative Islam: An Introduction to Its History, Thought, and Practice

Catalog description

This course presents a historical-experiential introduction to Islamic history, beliefs, and practices. One part of the course will explore the historical development of Islam, a tradition which understands itself to be a sixth-century reform movement restoring the proper understanding of God's oneness (tawhid), as well as its five core beliefs and five pillars of practice from a contemplative perspective. The second part of the course will focus on contemplative and mystical practices in Islam, including those drawn from Sufism. In this course, students will engage both historical and traditional texts, learn about traditional Islamic teaching and practice, and participate in experiential exercises in order to gain a firsthand experience of contemplative practices in Islamic culture. Cross-listed as REL 545.