AMI Podcasts explore a range of different topics including the latest cutting-edge research within the field of Islamic Studies, book reviews by prominent autho...
Similar Questions, Different Answers? Reading the Sunni and Imami Hadith Corpus Together by Dr Belal Alabbas
On Tuesday, 26th November 2024, Dr Belal Alabbas presented a research seminar at AMI entitled ‘Similar Questions, Different Answers? Reading the Sunni and Imami Hadith Corpus Together.’ In his presentation, Dr Alabbas addressed the phenomenon of contradictions in hadith within both Shia and Sunni traditions. He examined the methods and approaches employed by Imam Al-Shafi'i to address this issue in his book ‘Ikhtilaf Al-Hadith‘ and compared them to the methods and mechanisms adopted by Sheikh Abu Ja'far Al-Tusi in his book ‘Al-Istibsar fima Ikhtalafa min Al-Akhbar‘. Dr Alabbas attempted to draw comparisons between their solutions to the problem of conflicting reports and contradictions, concluding that there is a significant level of similarity in their approaches and methods. However, differences were observed, attributed to their respective doctrinal and intellectual foundations, such as the role of ‘qiyas‘ and the concept of ‘taqiyya‘ in resolving contradictions among narrations and hadith.
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Sufism, Shi’ism & Mysticism: Connections, Controversies and the School of Najaf with Dr Amir Asghari and Dr Zoheir Esmail
What connects Sufism, Shi’ism, and Mysticism—and what sets them apart? In this episode of 'The AMI Podcast,' Dr Zoheir Esmail is joined by Dr Seyed Amir Hossein Asghari, a Research Associate at Baylor University, to delve into the similarities and ongoing controversies within these areas of Islamic thought. Together, they explore the historical debates between the School of Najaf (School of Integration) and the School of Separation, the roles of dreams, intellect, and revelation, and the interplay between philosophy and spirituality in Islam. Tune in to discover the debates within Shia Islamic scholarship, unravel the mysteries of spiritual growth, and learn practical methods for inner transformation.
Key topics include:
The Differences between the School of Najaf (Integration) and the School of Separation
Connections between Shi'ism and Sufism
The Importance of Self-purification in Islamic Tradition
Philosophical approaches to understanding God
Modern Approaches to Spiritual Awakening
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Taymiyyan Design Discourse: A New Islamic Approach to Design-Based Theism by Jamie Turner
In this thought-provoking seminar, Jamier Turner delves into the evolving formulations of the design argument among Muslim thinkers, focusing on a non-Paleyan approach inspired by the ideas of the 14th-century theologian, Ibn Taymiyya (d. 1328 CE). Turner challenges traditional Paleyan models, often criticized for their vulnerability to Darwinian objections, by presenting a Taymiyyan framework emphasising non-inferential, metaphysical causality in nature's design.
Discover how this innovative perspective circumvents the challenges faced by Paleyan inferences while maintaining compatibility with scientific explanations of biological phenomena. Turner also addresses three critical objections to the Taymiyyan model and explores its potential as a robust defense of design-based theistic belief.
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Book Talk: Hadith Transmission and Confessionality by Dr Hossam Ouf
In this insightful book talk, Dr Hossam Ouf, a Research Fellow at the University of Tübingen, presents his book, "Hadith Transmission and Confessionality: Al-Bukhārī’s al-Jāmiʿ aṣ-Ṣaḥīḥ and al-Kulaynī’s al-Kāfī in Sunni and Twelver Shi'i Hadith Scholarship."
Dr Ouf delves into the pivotal role of Hadith transmission in shaping the theological and identity frameworks of Sunni and Shia traditions. By comparing the works of Imam Al-Bukhari and Al-Kulayni, this research fosters dialogue and understanding between these two major Islamic schools of thought. Written in German, Dr Ouf’s research supports the growing field of Islamic theology in Europe, addressing key challenges in fostering understanding and collaboration.
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The Hidden Struggles of Muslim Women in the West with Dr Shabana Mir and Dr Muhammed Reza Tajri
Join Dr Muhammed Reza Tajri and special guest Dr Shabana Mir, Associate Professor at the American Islamic College, for an insightful discussion on the challenges faced by Muslim American women on college campuses and Muslim women across the West. Drawing from Dr Mir's acclaimed book, 'Muslim American Women on Campus,' this conversation delves into themes of surveillance, cultural identity, Western perceptions, and the layered significance of the hijab. Discover how young Muslim women navigate and assert their identities, resist stereotypes, and find resilience in a complex socio-political landscape. Tune in for an enlightening exploration of identity, agency, and strength in the modern world.
AMI Podcasts explore a range of different topics including the latest cutting-edge research within the field of Islamic Studies, book reviews by prominent authors and academics, and discussions among scholars of diverse faiths and denominations within Islam.
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