Tasawwuf: Mystical Dimension In Islam
- Arts
- 800 level
- 3 credit units
- 90 pages
- 12 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 50 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of ISL858, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
ISL858 · UNIT 1 SUFISM: DEFINITION AND DERIVATION
This unit discusses the various views concerning the definition of the terminology Sufism. It attempts to trace the origin of the Islamic spiritual phenomenon to the Qur’ān, Sunnah and practices of the Şaħābah and the Tābiūn. It rounds up with a highlight of the main characteristic of the practice in its early stage.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the meaning and significance of Taṣawwuf.
- Explain the origins and development of Islamic mysticism.
- Identify prominent mystics and their contributions.
- Analyze the conflict between Jurists and Sufis.
- Describe the emergence of Sufi Orders.
- Evaluate the influence of Sufism on Islamic spirituality.
What it prepares you for
- Religious Scholar
- Islamic Studies Researcher
- Cultural Analyst
- Theological Advisor
- Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator
- Religious Institutions
- Academic Research
- Cultural Organizations
- Diplomacy
- Social Work
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3:
Unit 4: Hallāj's Tragic Şūfī Career
The complex and controversial figure of Al-Hallaj and his execution require careful consideration of historical and theological contexts.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Theorists of Sainthood and its Hierarchy
The intricate theories of sainthood and the hierarchical structure within Sufism demand a deep understanding of mystical concepts.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf
Unit 1: Sufism: Definition and Derivation · 2 hours
Define Sufism and Tasawwuf.. Explore various views on the derivation of the word Sufism.. Understand the Qur'anic origins of Sufism..
- Week 2Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf
Unit 2: Significance of Asceticism · 2 hours
Discuss the significance of asceticism in Islam.. Define asceticism (Zuhd) and its characteristics.. Identify signs of a true ascetic..
- Week 3Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf
Unit 3: Asceticism in Islam and its Qur'ānic References · 2 hours
Explore the Islamic attitude towards asceticism.. Identify Qur'anic references related to asceticism.. Understand the spiritual goals of asceticism in Islam..
- Week 4Module 1: Defintion and Origin of Taşawwuf
Unit 4: The Prophet's Companions and the Ascetics among their Successors · 2 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 5Module 2:
Unit 1: Stages in the Development of Asceticism to Mysticism · 2 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 6Module 2:
Unit 2: Hasan Başrī (d. 107/728) and Abu Hashim al-Kūfī (d. 160/776) · 2 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 7Module 2:
Unit 3: Khurāsanian School, Bishr (the Bare -Footed) and al-Muhāsibī · 2 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 8Module 3:
Unit 1: Extraneous Influence and Conflict between the Jurists and the Şūfīs in the Third/Ninth Century · 2 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 9Module 3:
Unit 2: Two Forerunners of Pantheism in Sufism · 2 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 10Module 3:
Unit 3: Theorists of Sainthood and its Hierarchy · 2 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 11Module 3:
Unit 4: Hallāj's Tragic Şūfī Career · 2 hours
Study the tragic Sufi career of al-Hallāj.. Explore the paradoxes of ash-Shibli.. Understand the reconciliation between exoterism and esoterism..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 5: The Emergence of Şūfī Orders · 2 hours
Discuss the foundation of Sufi convents.. Explore the role of Khānaqas.. Understand the emergence of Sufi Orders (Tarīqahs)..
- Week 13Final Revision
Final Revision · 4 hours
Review key concepts and figures in Islamic mysticism.. Prepare for final examinations.. Complete any outstanding assignments..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of key figures and events in Sufi history, focusing on their contributions and influences.
- Develop concept maps linking different Sufi doctrines, such as fanā, baqā, and tawhīd, to understand their interrelationships.
- Analyze primary source quotations from prominent Sufis to grasp their perspectives on divine love, asceticism, and the nature of reality.
- Practice essay questions that require comparing and contrasting different Sufi orders, highlighting their unique characteristics and practices.
- Review the Qur'anic verses and Hadith cited in the course material to understand the scriptural basis for Sufi concepts and practices.
- Focus on understanding the historical context of the conflicts between Jurists and Sufis, identifying the key issues and arguments involved.
Questions students ask about this course
What is ISL858 about?
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.
How many units does ISL858 have?
ISL858, Tasawwuf: Mystical Dimension In Islam, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 90 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is ISL858?
ISL858 carries 3 credit units, at 800 level in Arts.
Is ISL858 hard?
ISL858 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does ISL858 take to study?
About 50 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is ISL858 assessed?
ISL858 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with ISL858?
Religious Scholar, Islamic Studies Researcher, Cultural Analyst, Theological Advisor and Interfaith Dialogue Facilitator.