Introduction To Ta?Awwuf
- Arts
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 87 pages
- 11 units
This course introduces students to Taṣawwuf, exploring its significance, origin, growth, and development within Islam. It examines the profiles of prominent Şūfīs and their contributions to şūfī doctrines and practices. The course addresses the historical conflicts between Jurists and Şūfīs, highlighting the roles of key figures in reconciling exotericism and esotericism. Finally, it provides an overview of the emergence of various Şūfī Orders and their impact on Islamic spirituality.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Basic knowledge of Islamic history and theology
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL355, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL355 · UNIT 2: SIGNIFICANCE OF ASCETICISM
Other important developments soon followed, including strict self- control, psychological insight, “interior knowledge,” annihilation of the self, mystical insights about the nature of man. This period, from about 800-1100 C.E. is referred to as classical mysticism. By this time, asceticism had permeated the whole of the Islamic world and played a large role in the shaping of Islamic society.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the meaning and significance of Taṣawwuf.
- Explain the origin and development of Islamic mysticism.
- Identify prominent mystics of Islam and their contributions.
- Analyze the conflicts between Muslim Jurists and the Şūfīs.
- Describe the emergence of the Şūfī Orders.
- Evaluate the role of key figures in reconciling exotericism and esotericism.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Teacher
- Spiritual Counselor
- Islamic Scholar
- Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator
- Cultural Heritage Preservationist
- Religious Institutions
- Educational Organizations
- Cultural Centers
- Non-profit Organizations
- Heritage Tourism
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 2: Two Forerunners of Pantheism in Sufism
The unit explores complex philosophical concepts related to the nature of God and the universe, requiring abstract thinking and a deep understanding of Islamic theology.
- Module 3:
Unit 4: Hallāj's Tragic Şūfī Career
This unit requires understanding the historical context of al-Hallāj's execution and the complex interplay of religious, political, and social factors that contributed to his tragic fate.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: DEFINTION AND ORIGIN OF TAŞAWWUF
Unit 1: Sufism: Definition and Derivation · 2 hours
Define Taṣawwuf and its various interpretations.. Explore the etymological roots of the term Şūfī.. Analyze the Qur'ānic basis for ascetic and mystical practices..
- Week 2Module 1: DEFINTION AND ORIGIN OF TAŞAWWUF
Unit 2: Significance of Asceticism · 2 hours
Define asceticism (Zuhd) and its significance in spiritual development.. Differentiate between worldly and other-worldly asceticism.. Examine the role of asceticism in purifying the soul and connecting with the Divine..
- Week 3Module 1: DEFINTION AND ORIGIN OF TAŞAWWUF
Unit 3: Asceticism in Islam and its Qur'ānic References · 2 hours
Identify Qur'ānic verses that promote asceticism and detachment from worldly desires.. Analyze the Islamic perspective on renunciation and its spiritual goals.. Discuss the importance of intention and sincerity in ascetic practices..
- Week 4Module 1: DEFINTION AND ORIGIN OF TAŞAWWUF
Unit 4: The Prophet's Companions and the Ascetics among their Successors · 2 hours
Examine the ascetic practices of the Prophet's Companions (Şaħābah).. Discuss the role of figures like Abu Dharr al-Ghifārī and Salman al-Fārisī in early Islamic asceticism.. Analyze the significance of 'Alī ibn Abu Tālib in the transmission of esoteric knowledge..
- Week 5Module 2:
Unit 1: Stages in the Development of Asceticism to Mysticism · 2 hours
Trace the historical transition from asceticism to mysticism in Islam.. Identify key figures and events that marked this shift.. Discuss the emergence of Sufism as an integral spiritual path with distinct characteristics..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 2: Hasan Başrī (d. 107/728) and Abu Hashim of Kufah (d.160/776) · 2 hours
Explore the lives and teachings of Hasan al-Başrī and Abu Hāshim al-Kūfī.. Analyze their contributions to the development of early Sufi thought.. Discuss their emphasis on piety, detachment, and inner transformation..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 3: Khurāsanian School, Bishr (the Bare -footed) and al-Muhāsibī · 2 hours
Examine the Khurāsanian school of Sufism and its key figures.. Discuss the mystical life of Bishr (the Barefooted) and his emphasis on poverty and trust in God.. Analyze the place of al-Hārith al-Muhāsibī in the development of Sufi theosophy..
- Week 8Module 3:
Unit 1: Extraneous Influence and Conflict between the Jurists and the Şūfīs in the Third/Ninth Century · 2 hours
Discuss the extraneous influences on Sufism and the resulting conflicts with jurists.. Examine the emergence of different trends in Sufi teachings and their approach to God.. Analyze the tension between sober and intoxicated Sufism..
- Week 9Module 3:
Unit 2: Two Forerunners of Pantheism in Sufism · 2 hours
Explore the concept of pantheism in Sufism and its forerunners.. Discuss the mystical lives and teachings of Dhu n-Nūn al-Mişrī and Abu Yazīd al-Bisţāmī.. Analyze the basic doctrines of pantheism and their interpretation within Sufi thought..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 3: Theorists of Sainthood and its Hierarchy · 2 hours
Examine the theorists of sainthood and its hierarchy in Sufism.. Discuss the contributions of Ahmad ibn Isa al-Kharrāz and his influence on Junayd.. Analyze Junayd's role as the patriarch of orthodox Sufism and his emphasis on sobriety..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 4: Hallāj's Tragic Şūfī Career · 2 hours
Give a brief account of al-Hallāj's tragic Şūfī career.. Discuss the contribution that ash-Shibli made to Sufism.. Discuss the reconciliation of exoterism and esoterism..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 5: The Emergence of Şūfī Orders · 2 hours
Discuss the emergence of Şūfī Orders.. Differentiate between Silsilah and Khānaqah.. Give names of the major Şūfī Orders..
- Week 13Module 3:
Final Revision and Exam Preparation · 2 hours
Review key concepts and figures in the development of Taṣawwuf.. Prepare for final examinations by revisiting course materials and self-assessment exercises.. Consolidate understanding of the relationship between Islamic law and mystical practices..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key figures and events in the history of Taṣawwuf.
- Develop concept maps linking different schools of Sufi thought.
- Practice explaining the core concepts of Taṣawwuf in your own words.
- Focus on understanding the historical context of the conflicts between Jurists and Şūfīs.
- Review the biographies of prominent mystics and their contributions to Sufi doctrines.
- Prepare concise summaries of the main Şūfī Orders and their distinguishing characteristics.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL355 about?
This course introduces students to Taṣawwuf, exploring its significance, origin, growth, and development within Islam. It examines the profiles of prominent Şūfīs and their contributions to şūfī doctrines and practices. The course addresses the historical conflicts between Jurists and Şūfīs, highlighting the roles of key figures in reconciling exotericism and esotericism. Finally, it provides an overview of the emergence of various Şūfī Orders and their impact on Islamic spirituality.
How many units does ISL355 have?
ISL355, Introduction To Ta?Awwuf, has 11 units across 3 modules, over 87 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL355?
ISL355 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Arts.
Is ISL355 hard?
ISL355 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL355 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is ISL355 assessed?
ISL355 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What do I need before starting ISL355?
Basic knowledge of Islamic history and theology
What can I do with ISL355?
Religious Teacher, Spiritual Counselor, Islamic Scholar, Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator and Cultural Heritage Preservationist.