The Classical Islamic Thought Series offers a contemplative and rigorous exploration of two foundational texts in the disciplines of Islamic scholastic theology and Sufi hermeneutics: al-Iqtisad fi al-I'tiqad by al-Ghazzali and Lata'if al-Isharat by al-Qushayri.

Islamic scholastic theology represents a systematic approach to understanding and defending Islamic beliefs through rational discourse. Originating in early Islamic thought, it developed as a response to theological and philosophical challenges, aiming to reconcile reason with revelation. It involves deep engagement with central questions concerning divine nature, predestination, and the relationship between faith and reason, making it a cornerstone of the Islamic intellectual tradition.

The Sufi hermeneutics of the Quran involves the study of the Quran’s meanings and interpretations through an allegorical approach that seeks to uncover spiritual insights. This interpretative tradition highlights the Quran’s layers of meaning, moving beyond outer interpretations to reach inner dimensions.

Each of the two texts selected for study is a masterpiece in its respective field. Al-Iqtisad serves as a pivotal keystone, seamlessly connecting foundational and prolific works of theology. It is al-Ghazzali’s most comprehensive and systematic work in this field. Describing its profound capacity to open new horizons of understanding, al-Ghazzali refers to al-Iqtisad as “an independent, self-contained work that contains the essentials of the science of theology, more adequate in its proofs and more apt to knock at the doors of knowledge than the scholastic jargon found in other works.”

Lata'if al-Isharat exemplifies Sufi interpretative thought, merging esoteric insights with Quranic exegesis. Its richness, depth, and nuance place it among the most illuminating works on the Quran. Al-Lata'if is a confluence of al-Qushayri’s expertise in exegetical, theological, juridical, and literary discourses. Describing its interpretative nature, al-Qushayri affirms in the introduction that it contains “subtleties of [the Quran’s] mysteries and lights, delicate allusions, concealed allegories, and hidden mysteries.”

Each session will begin with a close reading of a dedicated passage from the original Arabic text, accompanied by its English translation. This will be followed by a guided, analytical study, laying the foundation for an in-depth, interactive exploration of the text’s meanings and implications. Sessions will adopt a Socratic approach, fostering open dialogue and critical enquiry as participants engage with key exegetical, theological, and spiritual principles.

To enrich the learning experience, participants will be encouraged to consult supplementary materials from early and later theological and hermeneutical sources. This series is accessible both on-campus and online, allowing flexibility for all interested in participating in this scholarly engagement with classical Islamic thought. Participants may choose to join one or both portions of each session, enabling them to concentrate on a single text or to explore both comprehensively according to their interests. A foundational knowledge of Islamic theology is required for the theology component, given the advanced nature of the discussions.

Outcomes

1. Cultivate a nuanced understanding of core concepts in theology and Sufi hermeneutics as articulated in al-Iqtisad and al-Lata'if.

2. Develop skills in analysing and interpreting complex classical Islamic texts with scholarly rigour.

3. Contextualise theological and interpretative methodologies within the broader Islamic intellectual tradition.

4. Strengthen collaborative and critical discussion abilities, engaging deeply with peers in unpacking intricate ideas.

The Classical Islamic Thought Series offers a contemplative and rigorous exploration of two foundational texts in the disciplines of Islamic scholastic theology and Sufi hermeneutics: al-Iqtisad fi al-I'tiqad by al-Ghazzali and Lata'if al-Isharat by al-Qushayri.

Islamic scholastic theology represents a systematic approach to understanding and defending Islamic beliefs through rational discourse. Originating in early Islamic thought, it developed as a response to theological and philosophical challenges, aiming to reconcile reason with revelation. It involves deep engagement with central questions concerning divine nature, predestination, and the relationship between faith and reason, making it a cornerstone of the Islamic intellectual tradition.

The Sufi hermeneutics of the Quran involves the study of the Quran’s meanings and interpretations through an allegorical approach that seeks to uncover spiritual insights. This interpretative tradition highlights the Quran’s layers of meaning, moving beyond outer interpretations to reach inner dimensions.

Each of the two texts selected for study is a masterpiece in its respective field. Al-Iqtisad serves as a pivotal keystone, seamlessly connecting foundational and prolific works of theology. It is al-Ghazzali’s most comprehensive and systematic work in this field. Describing its profound capacity to open new horizons of understanding, al-Ghazzali refers to al-Iqtisad as “an independent, self-contained work that contains the essentials of the science of theology, more adequate in its proofs and more apt to knock at the doors of knowledge than the scholastic jargon found in other works.”

Lata'if al-Isharat exemplifies Sufi interpretative thought, merging esoteric insights with Quranic exegesis. Its richness, depth, and nuance place it among the most illuminating works on the Quran. Al-Lata'if is a confluence of al-Qushayri’s expertise in exegetical, theological, juridical, and literary discourses. Describing its interpretative nature, al-Qushayri affirms in the introduction that it contains “subtleties of [the Quran’s] mysteries and lights, delicate allusions, concealed allegories, and hidden mysteries.”

Each session will begin with a close reading of a dedicated passage from the original Arabic text, accompanied by its English translation. This will be followed by a guided, analytical study, laying the foundation for an in-depth, interactive exploration of the text’s meanings and implications. Sessions will adopt a Socratic approach, fostering open dialogue and critical enquiry as participants engage with key exegetical, theological, and spiritual principles.

To enrich the learning experience, participants will be encouraged to consult supplementary materials from early and later theological and hermeneutical sources. This series is accessible both on-campus and online, allowing flexibility for all interested in participating in this scholarly engagement with classical Islamic thought. Participants may choose to join one or both portions of each session, enabling them to concentrate on a single text or to explore both comprehensively according to their interests. A foundational knowledge of Islamic theology is required for the theology component, given the advanced nature of the discussions.

Outcomes

1. Cultivate a nuanced understanding of core concepts in theology and Sufi hermeneutics as articulated in al-Iqtisad and al-Lata'if.

2. Develop skills in analysing and interpreting complex classical Islamic texts with scholarly rigour.

3. Contextualise theological and interpretative methodologies within the broader Islamic intellectual tradition.

4. Strengthen collaborative and critical discussion abilities, engaging deeply with peers in unpacking intricate ideas.