Forthcoming Teaching Commitments, insha Allah…

Peace, one and all…

Insha Allah, in the next few months I’ll be taking on some extra teaching jobs. 

Firstly, in January 2007, I’ll be teaching a new course for the Centre for Lifelong Learning.  It’s entitled ‘Heresy’ in the Medieval Islamic World and will essentially look at the history and doctrines of a number of key groups.  Although I’ve not quite decided upon the final list, I’ll probably include the following:

• The Khawarij (possibly) 
• The Kaysaniyya
• The Khattabiyya
• The Ismailis
• The Yezidis (if I can get hold of some key information, as there’s not much written about them)

Secondly, in March 2007 I’ve again been asked to teach the first year Islamic Studies section of the Religious Studies course.  Last year it was called Islamic Tradition: History, Law & Practice.  For this time around, insha Allah, I’m going to alter it slightly to include spirituality.  The working title (which I have to run past the boss) is Islamic Traditions: Identity, Authority & Law in the Early Islamic World.

Thirdly, my recent proposal for a 2nd year course on Shia Islam: History & Theology was received warmly.  There were a few technical matters, but nothing too troublesome.  Insha Allah, it’ll run.  However, even if it doesn’t, it’s been a useful exercise.

Wa akhiru da’wana an il hamdu lillahi rabbil alameen

Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman

Hadith Studies

Peace, one and all…

Here are some bibliographical materials for the study of hadith.   Enjoy.

Kamali, M H (2005), A Textbook of Hadith Studies: Authenticity, Compilation, Classification and Criticism of Hadith, Leicester: The Islamic Foundation

Juynboll, G H A (1983), Muslim Tradition: Studies in Chronology, Provenance and Authorship of Early Hadith, Cambridge: CUP

Rahman, F (1995, 3rd Reprint), Islamic Methodology in History, Islamabad: Islamic Research Institute

Dutton, Y. (1995), The Origins of Islamic Law: The Quran, The Muwatta’ and Madinan `Amal, London: Curzon Press

Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman

A New Title for the Study of Sufism

Peace, one and all…

I wanted to post the bibliographical details of a new book which I recently read and enjoyed on Sufism. 

Malik, J & Hinnells, J (2006), Sufism in the West, London: Routledge.

This is a collection of essays on contemporary manifestations of Sufism in the West.  It includes essays on the Naqshbandi tariqa, as well as the Nimatullahi Order.

Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman

New Additions…

Peace, one and all…

As promised, I’m posting some new bibliographical references for the study of early Islamic history.  It’s all fairly random at present.  Insha Allah, once I get some free time during the Xmas break, I’ll sort this blog out.  For now, enjoy…

If you have any questions, I’m more than happy to answer them, insha Allah.

Kraemer, J L (1986) Humanism in the Renaissance of Islam: The Cultural Revival of the Buyid Age, Leiden: E J Brill

Jamal, N E (2002), Surviving the Mongols: Nizari Quhistani and the Continuity of the Ismaili Tradition in Persia, London, IB Tauris/Institute of Ismaili Studies

Klemm, V (2003), Memoirs of a Mission: The Ismaili Scholar, Statesman and Poet al-Mu`ayyad fi’l-Din al-Shirazi, London, IB Tauris/Institute of Ismaili Studies

Walker, P E (1999), Hamid al-Din al-Kirmani: Ismaili Thought in the Age of al-Hakim, London, IB Tauris/Institute of Ismaili Studies

Forthcoming Projects…

Peace, one and all…

Insha Allah, during the next few weeks and months, I’ll be posting biographical information on a number of important figures in Islamic history.  I’ll post the first biography as soon as I have it ready, insha Allah.  With God’s help, it’ll be on the important early scholar Imam Ja`far al-Sadiq.  Each biography will offer an outline sketch of the person’s life, an evaluation of the relevant source material and a working bibliography.  Insha Allah, I also intend to post material on their known views, beliefs and ideas, as well as any books they may have written (as relevant).

 Ma’as salama,
Abdur Rahman