Contemporary Quranic Studies dedicated to holistic engagement with the Quran through scholarly and spiritual reflections upon the text. Quran for All Seasons draws upon the depth and breadth of the Islamic tradition to facilitate discussions of the Quran that transcend creedal and ideological divisions. Hosted by Joseph Lumbard of the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the podcast provides an ongoing commentary on the Quran, what some might call a contemplation, or t ...
…
continue reading
Sacred Footsteps is dedicated to travel, history and culture from a Muslim perspective. We talk to writers, historians, artists and others, about travel as a spiritual practice, and discuss aspects of Muslim culture and history that are often overlooked.
…
continue reading
‘Reflections’ is a search for meaning and understanding through a series of dialogues between Sami Yusuf and some of the most remarkable minds today as they explore the ideas and values that are shaping our world. Leading creative thinkers bring their wisdom to topics ranging from culture, arts, spirituality, sciences, and much more, and discuss underlying trends and ideas in their full depth and subtlety.
…
continue reading
1
Islam in the Malay World with Syed Muḥiyuddīn Al-ʿAṭṭās
1:06:19
1:06:19
Відтворити пізніше
Відтворити пізніше
Списки
Подобається
Подобається
1:06:19
Islam arrived in the Malay world through “good word” and quickly established itself though various kingdoms that would later become centres of learning. Zain al-Haddad speaks to Syed Muḥiyuddīn Al-ʿAṭṭās about the major Muslim figures in the Malay world and the development of an indigenous Islamic scholarship which was nevertheless rooted in networ…
…
continue reading
The Islamic sciences were once rooted in an underlying epistemic unity, that existed among all fields of the knowledge in the Islamic world. Zara talks to Professor Joseph Lumbard about his paper Islam and the Challenge of Epistemic Sovereignty. They discuss: the eradication of the Islamic epistemic framework, the adoption of modern secular-epistem…
…
continue reading
On the hills in and around Cape Town, you will find 300 year old Muslim graves belonging to notable individuals who arrived on the southern tip of the African continent in chains, as slaves or political prisoners of colonisers. They brought nothing with them, except faith in their hearts and the remembrance of God on their tongues. This is the stor…
…
continue reading
Zara talks to Dr Abu Bakr Sirajuddin Cook and Dr Rami Dawood about the history of Islam in Australia- beginning with the arrival of the Makassan traders, that pre-dates European settlement, to the Afghan Cameleers, who set up the first mosques in the country. They discuss the legacy of the early Muslims in the country, their interaction with Aborig…
…
continue reading
The "life review" on the Day Judgment; Iblis’ refusal to bow to Adam; and the consequences of accepting the exchange Satan offers, taking his wilāya in place of the wilāya of God.Dr Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
This episode examines the parable of the wealthy disbeliever, its lessons regarding the adornments of the world, and the manner in which the parable relates to broader Quranic themes as well as the other stories in Sūrat al-Kahf.Dr Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
This episode examines the end of the story of the Companions of the Cave and the injunctions that come after it in verses 22 through 31 of Sūrat al-Kahf. These injunctions touch upon the manner in which one should handle disputes, how to interpret Quranic narratives, the structure of society, and the importance of actions.…
…
continue reading
Our second episode on Sūrat al-Kahf examines the story of the Companions of the Cave, its relation to other accounts in the ancient Near East, and the manner in which the Quran employs this story for lessons regarding the spiritual life and the path to God.Dr Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
Zara and Zirrar talk to author and Arabist Diana Darke about her most recent book Stealing From The Saracens: How Islamic Architecture Shaped Europe. Diana explains how cultural exchanges between Europe and Islamic Syria shaped Gothic architecture, and why this has become a point of controversy in Europe today.…
…
continue reading
This episode contextualizes Sūrat al-Kahf and examines the reasons it is recommended to recite at least a part of it every Friday. It then analyzes verses 1-8 and the manner in which they set the stage for the themes discussed in greater depth later in the sūra.Dr Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
A contextual and linguistic analysis of Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, examining its relationship with the surrounding sūras, the inner meaning of the words employed, and some of the reasons for its recitation being referred to as equivalent to one third of the Quran.Dr Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
An intertextual analysis of Sūrat al-Masad, linking it to the surrounding sūras and examining the reason for its inclusion in the Quran.Dr Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
Sana Gillani visits the tombs of her ancestors: the parents of the influential scholar and saint, Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Gilani, in Iran.Sacred Footsteps
…
continue reading
Abdullah Sattar explores the roots of Sufism in Punjab, which spread, in large part, through the words of poets that are still recited and resonate today.Sacred Footsteps
…
continue reading
Alex Reynolds from lostwithpurpose shares her experiences/conclusions/insights from more than four years of full time travel.Sacred Footsteps
…
continue reading
Sacred Footsteps presents, Khayal Diaries, a series of personal accounts, narratives and critical reflections on topics like Islamic history, culture and travel. Zara Choudhary revisits her journey to Adam’s Peak, a mountain in Sri Lanka visited by Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians for its association with several religious figures, includi…
…
continue reading
It’s a true honor to have Seyyed Hossein Nasr as my guest on ‘Reflections’. Dr. Nasr is one of the most influential Muslim scholars in the world. He is a rare polymath, whose vast body of work covers the most important areas of contemporary thought from classical philosophy, sacred art, Islamic science, Sufism, and critique of modernity to interfai…
…
continue reading
It’s a pleasure to welcome Ibrahim Kalin to Reflections. Ibrahim Kalin currently serves as the presidential spokesperson and special adviser to the President of Turkey. He is a prolific writer, a renowned scholar of Islamic studies and comparative philosophy, and an accomplished musician. In this wide-ranging interview he shares his thought-provoki…
…
continue reading
Joining me on Reflections is the legendary Welsh singer, Aled Jones. Aled became a household name across Britain and beyond as a boy in the mid-80s when he released his angelic song, ‘Walking in the Air’ from the movie ‘The Snowman’. He has gone on to have a brilliant career not only as a great vocalist — with over 40 albums to date and many highly…
…
continue reading
1
Qawwali
1:05:02
1:05:02
Відтворити пізніше
Відтворити пізніше
Списки
Подобається
Подобається
1:05:02
Omar, Yasmine and Shahroze discuss the history, evolution and spiritual significance of qawwali. Qawwali incorporates music, poetry and story-telling in to a celebration of Love. The singing of qawwali in Sufi shrines and mausoleums is a practice of samaa, a devotional practice that involves singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, praying, r…
…
continue reading
1
Models of Liberation in West Africa
1:32:26
1:32:26
Відтворити пізніше
Відтворити пізніше
Списки
Подобається
Подобається
1:32:26
Mustafa Briggs speaks to Professor Rudolph Ware, author of the 'Walking Quran', about models of liberation in West Africa. They talk about the West African approach towards power and religion, and consider the diverse response of the ulama to the challenges presented by the transatlantic slave trade and European colonialism. They also discuss how r…
…
continue reading
Sūrat al-Tīn provides one of the most famous descriptions of the human being in the Quran as one who is created "in the most beautiful balance" to then be cast to "the lowest, lowly." This episode demonstrates how this presentation of the human being is connected to the remainder of the sūrah and the overall Quranic theme of maintaining the balance…
…
continue reading
A linguistic and contextual analysis of Sūrat al-Māʿūn, illuminating its relationship to the adjacent sūrahs and discussing its emphasis on the importance of being present in prayer.Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
After an examination of the Quranic use of the word "naṣr" (help), this episode examines the relationship between Sūrat al-Naṣr and the preceding Sūrahs, discussing the manner in which it serves to complete their message.Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
This episode discusses Sūrat al-Kāfirūn with a focus upon the manner in which it relates to the previous two Sūras, al-Kawthar and al-Māʿūn, by drawing a sharp distinction between the religion practiced by the Makkan leaders in pre-Islamic Arabia and the religion of Islam.Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
This episode discusses the shortest sūra of the Quran, al-Kawthar, contrasting it to the previous sūra, Sūrat al-Māʿūn, and examining the fundamental difference between kawthar, abundance from God, and takāthur, vying in increase among human beings.Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
What does it mean to "expand one's breast" in the Quran? What is the importance of "ease" and its relation to the fast of Ramaḍān? And how does one turn oneself toward God? These questions and more are discussed in this study of Sūrat al-Sharḥ.Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
An examination of the manner in which this short sūra discusses the nature of the human being and the manner in which to move beyond the sense of loss that can at times prevail.Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
This episode of Quran for All Seasons examines the Fātiḥa, the first sūra of the Quran. It discusses the importance of the sūra, other names by which it is known, and then focuses upon the manner in which this sūra teaches about the nature of God and the relationship between the Divine and the human.…
…
continue reading
What is Quran for All Seasons?Joseph Lumbard
…
continue reading
1
Travel as 'Mutual Unveiling' | Visiting the 'Wali Songo' Nine Saints of Indonesia
1:02:51
1:02:51
Відтворити пізніше
Відтворити пізніше
Списки
Подобається
Подобається
1:02:51
For our first ever crossover episode, Zara speaks to Imran Ali Malik, host of the American Submitter podcast. They discuss the concept of travel as a 'mutual unveiling' and share 'transformative' travel experiences. Imran talks about his time in Guinea Bissau, where tribes were converting to Islam after an elder dreamt of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)…
…
continue reading
Muazzam is joined by Salahuddin Mazhary. Salahuddin tells us about the history of Islam in the Caucasus, with a focus on Chechnya and Dagestan. He talks about the Sufi tariqas in the region and the role dhikr played in resisting the Russians. He also tells us about notable figures such as Imam Shamil and Kunta-haji and their legacies.…
…
continue reading
Omar Rais speaks to Alyssa Ratkewitch, a third generation Tatar Muslim living in Brooklyn and the vice president of the board at the historic Brooklyn Mosque. Also joining the conversation is travel writer, journalist and broadcaster, Tharik Hussain who specialises in the Muslim heritage of the West. Together they explore the migratory roots of Bro…
…
continue reading
Muazzam Mir speaks to fellow Kenyans, activist and founder of Halal Safaris, Samia Bwana and conservationist and Mandela Washington Fellow, Raabia Hawa, about the conservation of wildlife and the environment, specifically from a Muslim perspective. They talk about whether hunting animals for sport is permissible in Islam, and discuss the responsibi…
…
continue reading
Yaseen Kippie talks to Zara about the history of Islam in South Africa. He tells us about the early community, made up of influential people exiled to the Cape by the Dutch. A story of survival and resistance, Yaseen tells us about 'the revivers', individuals who ensured the preservation of Islam in South Africa.…
…
continue reading
Zara speaks to Shahroze Khan, a politics and history student and photographer, about the walled city of Lahore. Shahroze explains its history, from its somewhat contentious roots, steeped in Hindu mythology, to the heights of its splendour under the Mughals, followed by its brief period as capital of the Sikh Empire in the 19th century. He discusse…
…
continue reading
Zara is joined by Sacred Footsteps' writers and photographers Afaq Ali and Omar Rais, and Chirag Wakaskar, a photographer based in Mumbai, India and creator of the @everydaymumbai project on Instagram. We discuss the response to our previous episode on Orientalism in travel photography, and Ali tells us about the 'Rooftop campaign' that demands Nat…
…
continue reading
1
Islam in China: The Question of Sahaba Visiting China, The Uyghur People & Chinese Muslim Scholarship
43:40
During the so-called ‘Dark Ages’, the Islamic world was undergoing was period of cultural enlightenment; at the same time, another empire, further east, was also flourishing. Historian Hassam Munir tells Zara about the cultural exchange between the Muslim and Chinese worlds. He talks about the history of Islam in China, explaining how and when it f…
…
continue reading
1
Orientalism & Modern Travel Photography: ‘Othering’ in the Instagram Age
1:09:57
1:09:57
Відтворити пізніше
Відтворити пізніше
Списки
Подобається
Подобається
1:09:57
Zara and Yasmine talk to Afaq Ali and Zain Haider about the legacy of Edward Said and look at modern day travel photography through the lens of Orientalism. They discuss the ways in which ‘othering’ still takes place, and how well regarded photographers, intuitions and publications are still promoting that narrative. They also examine questions of …
…
continue reading
In episode six, Zara speaks to Muazzam Mir about the history of Islam in East Africa, particularly along the Swahili Coast. They talk about the role of travellers, traders and sufi tariqahs in the spread of Islam in the region, as well as noteworthy scholars. Muazzam refutes the colonialist idea that Africa was a land of darkness before the arrival…
…
continue reading
In episode five, Zara speaks to Wafa Aouchiche, founder of Burgundy Roots, about their retreats in Jamaica. We talk about the Jamaican Muslim community and the ‘Ras-Mus’ (Rasta-Muslims), and the connections between the Caribbean & Algerian revolutionaries. We discuss the negative impact of foreign-owned island resorts and some of the problems Jamai…
…
continue reading
In episode three, Zara talks to Mustafa Briggs about the history of Islam in West Africa. They discuss the roots of Islam in the region, the intellectual achievements of Timbuktu and other centres of learning, sufism and the empowerment of women through scholarship that can be seen throughout West African history. Mustafa also tells us about his up…
…
continue reading
Zara speaks to one half of spoken word duo Poetic Pilgrimage, poet and playwright, Sukina Pilgrim about her experience of visiting the rawdah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Madina, and the challenges and joys that it entailed. They also discuss the experience of notable women in history when visiting Madina and the difficulties wome…
…
continue reading
In episode one, host Yasmine Ahmed-Lea speaks to co-host & founder of Sacred Footsteps, Zara Choudhary, about the concept of 'spiritual travel' & the story behind the website. They also discuss the recent passing of the esteemed Mauritanian scholar Murabit al-Hajj. Show notesSacred Footsteps
…
continue reading
Born in the UK and based in Jerusalem, Rabbi Rosen was granted a papal Knighthood in 2005 for his contribution to Jewish-Catholic reconciliation and in 2010 made a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II for his work promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. He was the former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, and is current…
…
continue reading
Dr Joseph E B Lumbard is an Associate Professor in the Arabic Studies Department of the American University of Sharjah and a former adviser on interfaith affairs to the Jordanian Royal Court. Among his recent publications is the unparalleled and comprehensive work, The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary, for which he was a general editor…
…
continue reading
Dr Umar Faruq Abd-Allah is an American Muslim who is the Scholar in Residence at the Oasis Initiative based in Chicago, a non-profit organization that educates Muslims in the US about Islamic teachings. He is a respected author and a sought-after teacher and lecturer. More about Dr Umar: www.facebook.com/Dr.UmarFaruqAbdAllah To learn more about his…
…
continue reading
Saleh Nass is an award-winning film director, producer, and editor based in Bahrain and educated in the UK. In this interview, he shares his keen insights into the world of films and filmmaking, gives advice for aspiring filmmakers, and speaks about the process for making the music video for Sami Yusuf’s single, ‘Al Faqir’. Watch ‘Al Faqir’ here: h…
…
continue reading
This episode addresses a topic very close to my heart. As you may know, I’ve been a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Programme since 2014. As such, I’ve tried to raise awareness of the plight of the hundreds of millions of people suffering from hunger around the world. Last month I was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the WFP…
…
continue reading
My guest on this episode is the remarkably talented, two-time Academy Award winning composer and musician A. R. Rahman. AR and I first met in London over 10 years ago and I recall being instantly drawn to his humility and gracious character. Those familiar with AR will testify that he is a man of few words. It’s not easy getting him to talk for 30 …
…
continue reading