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ISL858Arts3 Unitsintermediate

Tasawwuf: Mystical Dimension In Islam

This course, *Ta*ş*awwuf Mystical Dimensions in Islam*, explores the concept of *Ta*ş*awwuf* (Islamic mysticism) and its relationship to *Zuhd* (asceticism). It traces the origins, growth, and development of this phenomenon within Islam. The course examines the contributions of prominent Şū*f*ī*s*, the conflicts between Jurists and Şū*f*ī*s*, and the emergence of Şū*f*ī Orders, providing a comprehensive overview of Islamic mysticism.

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50h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
TasawwufSufismMysticismAsceticismIslamic Spirituality

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Definition and Derivation of Sufism

2

Significance of Asceticism in Islam

3

Qur'anic References to Asceticism

4

Development of Asceticism to Mysticism

5

Theories of Sainthood

6

Emergence of Sufi Orders

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

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Religious Scholar

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Islamic Studies Researcher

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Cultural Analyst

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Theological Advisor

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Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Religious InstitutionsAcademic ResearchCultural OrganizationsDiplomacySocial Work

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf

2h

Unit 1: Sufism: Definition and Derivation

2 study hours
  • •Define Sufism and Tasawwuf.
  • •Explore various views on the derivation of the word Sufism.
  • •Understand the Qur'anic origins of Sufism.
Week
2

Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf

2h

Unit 2: Significance of Asceticism

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the significance of asceticism in Islam.
  • •Define asceticism (Zuhd) and its characteristics.
  • •Identify signs of a true ascetic.
Week
3

Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf

2h

Unit 3: Asceticism in Islam and its Qur'ānic References

2 study hours
  • •Explore the Islamic attitude towards asceticism.
  • •Identify Qur'anic references related to asceticism.
  • •Understand the spiritual goals of asceticism in Islam.
Week
4

Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf

2h

Unit 4: The Prophet's Companions and the Ascetics among their Successors

2 study hours
  • •Identify the Prophet's Companions known for asceticism.
  • •Examine the role of Tābi'ūn (successors) in promoting asceticism.
  • •Understand the transmission of asceticism through generations.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Stages in the Development of Asceticism to Mysticism

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the historical transition from asceticism to mysticism.
  • •Examine the stages of development in the 9th century.
  • •Understand the emergence of Sufism as an integral spiritual path.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Hasan Başrī (d. 107/728) and Abu Hashim al-Kūfī (d. 160/776)

2 study hours
  • •Study the lives and contributions of Hasan al-Başrī.
  • •Explore the role of Abu Hashim of Kufah in early Sufism.
  • •Understand their influence on the development of mystical thought.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Khurāsanian School, Bishr (the Bare -Footed) and al-Muhāsibī

2 study hours
  • •Explore the Khurāsanian school of Sufism.
  • •Study the mystical life of Bishr (the Barefooted).
  • •Examine the place of al-Muhāsibī in the development of Sufi theosophy.
Week
8

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Extraneous Influence and Conflict between the Jurists and the Şūfīs in the Third/Ninth Century

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the development and extraneous influences on Sufism.
  • •Examine the reasons for conflict between jurists and Sufis.
  • •Understand the emergence of different trends in Sufi teachings.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: Two Forerunners of Pantheism in Sufism

2 study hours
  • •Study the mystical life of Dhu n-Nūn al-Mişrī.
  • •Explore the pantheistic tendencies of Abu Yazīd al-Bis āmī.
  • •Understand the basic doctrines of pantheism in Sufism.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 3: Theorists of Sainthood and its Hierarchy

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the theorists of sainthood and its hierarchy.
  • •Examine the role of Ahmad bn Isa al-Kharrāz.
  • •Understand why Junayd was regarded as a central figure in Islamic mysticism.
Week
11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 4: Hallāj's Tragic Şūfī Career

2 study hours
  • •Study the tragic Sufi career of al-Hallāj.
  • •Explore the paradoxes of ash-Shibli.
  • •Understand the reconciliation between exoterism and esoterism.
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 5: The Emergence of Şūfī Orders

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the foundation of Sufi convents.
  • •Explore the role of Khānaqas.
  • •Understand the emergence of Sufi Orders (Tarīqahs).
Week
13

Final Revision

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review key concepts and figures in Islamic mysticism.
  • •Prepare for final examinations.
  • •Complete any outstanding assignments.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key figures and events in Sufi history, focusing on their contributions and influences.

2

Develop concept maps linking different Sufi doctrines, such as fanā, baqā, and tawhīd, to understand their interrelationships.

3

Analyze primary source quotations from prominent Sufis to grasp their perspectives on divine love, asceticism, and the nature of reality.

4

Practice essay questions that require comparing and contrasting different Sufi orders, highlighting their unique characteristics and practices.

5

Review the Qur'anic verses and Hadith cited in the course material to understand the scriptural basis for Sufi concepts and practices.

6

Focus on understanding the historical context of the conflicts between Jurists and Sufis, identifying the key issues and arguments involved.

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