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...
Science, Mysticism and Islamic Reform with Dr Arash Naraghi | Ep. 1
In this thought-provoking first episode of the 'Islam and Contemporary Challenges' series, Syed Arman Kazmi sits down with Dr Arash Naraghi, a Professor of Philosophy and Global Religion at Moravian University, to explore the nuanced relationship between science, mysticism, and Islamic reform. Dr Naraghi reflects on his transformative journey from pharmacology to philosophy, shedding light on his challenges with the Islamisation of science and his enduring fascination with Islamic mysticism, particularly the works of Rumi and Attar.
The conversation delves deep into the societal impact of political Islam in post-Islamic Republic Iran, the solace offered by mysticism as a spiritual alternative, and the urgent need for reform in Islamic thought. Discover valuable insights into the complexities of reconciling faith with modern values, addressing the existential "love crisis," and finding meaning in today’s fast-paced and fragmented world.
-------- Â
1:08:07
Book Talk: An Introduction to Qur’anic Ecology and Resonances with Laudato Si’ by Farhana Mayer
In this book talk, Farhana Mayer presents her book, 'An Introduction to Qur’anic Ecology and Resonances with Laudato Si’, which explores Qur’an-based theological and ethical principles applicable to integral ecology. The book serves as a vital guide for Muslims addressing today’s ecological and environmental challenges, drawing strong parallels with the themes in Pope Francis’s 'Laudato Si’.
Farhana delves into central Qur’anic concepts, such as the interconnected unity of all creation, the innate nature of God and humankind, and the principles of mercy, balance, justice, and moderation. She also discusses key critiques of human actions from an Islamic perspective, which align closely with Catholic teachings.
-------- Â
8:32
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.
-------- Â
36:28
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
-------- Â
1:03:48
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.
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.