LAHORE UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (LUMS) Kamaluddin Ahmed kamaluddin@lums.edu.pk Introduction DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SCIENCES SPRING 2006-2007 SS ISLAMIC SPIRITUALITY The field of Islamic spirituality, classically known as tasawwuf, is as infinitely diverse as it is vast. It may be studied in a variety of ways: sociologically, historically, culturally, doctrinally, or textually. This course attempts to explore classical Islamic spirituality from the latter two perspectives, and the choice of approach naturally affects what is included in or omitted from this survey. Textually, we will read, in translation, some of the classical works of this tradition. By exploring different authors across different eras and through different genres, it is hoped that students will learn about the spiritual philosophy of Islam as well as its moral psychology. Doctrinally, we will examine the relationship between spirituality and other dimensions of Islam, such as kalam [theology] and fiqh [jurisprudence]. We will explore the reading material from four perspectives: a) source methodology: the use of the Qur'an and sayings of the Blessed messenger to establish ideas and practices of spirituality b) formal development of modes of spirituality centered on particular philosophies and methods including a comparative study of Arabic, Persian, and Indo-Pak traditions. c) knowledge and transmission: an investigation of how this material was considered a branch of sacred knowledge [ ilm] and how it was transmitted from one generation to the next. d) literary analysis of nine different genres used in the works of this tradition: 1- Canonical Works [mutun], 2- Practical Manuals [rasaail], 3- Autobiographies, 4- Noted Sayings and Teachings [malfuzaat], 5- Anecdotes of Wisdom [hikam], 6- Letters [maktubaat], 7- Poetry [ash aar], 8- Parables [hikayaat], and 9- Intimate supplications [munajaat] Prerequisite: SS 182 - Islamic Studies. Requirements and Grading Attendance 5% Class Participation 5% 1
In-Class Response Quizzes 15% Midterm 15% Two 4-6 page literature reviews 30% Final Exam 30% Attendance is, by consent of the Dean, mandatory. Attendance policy is plain and simple: You are allowed three free absences, at any time and for any reason (illness, death of a relative, wedding in family, oversleeping, etc.). You miss class at your own risk however, and will receive a 0 for a quiz if taken that day. No petitions will be entertained. The lowest score quiz will be dropped at the end of the term. Additional absences (beyond 3) will be penalized as follows: Number of Additional Absences Grade Reduction 1 2 of the 5% for Attendance 2 5 of the 5% for Attendance 3 and more 10% reduction of overall grade per extra absence. No petitions will be entertained for additional absences except in the most extreme of circumstances. The final decision lies with the instructor. Class sessions will be a combination of lecture and discussion. Assigned readings form the basis of lectures, class discussions and your written work. Keeping up with the readings is thus crucial for satisfactory performance in the course and everyone is expected to come to class having digested the reading and ready to explain and analyze them in class discussion. Class participation points may be earned by a thoughtful contribution during class or through an email on the readings and lecture on the day of class. Occasionally, and at random, response quizzes will be given at any time during class. These will consist of short answers to questions based on the readings for that day. Two Literature Reviews will be due during the course of the quarter, as outlined below. In 4-6 double-spaced pages, you will have to analytically comment on any aspect or theme of one or more of the readings assigned for those sessions. Literature Reviews should not be lists of quotes or summaries of the readings nor should they merely restate the lectures on the readings. Instead, offer your own thoughtful reaction to what you read or further develop the ideas and lines of thought generated by the lectures. For example, you may challenge the author s definition of terms, question his analysis or argument, raise relevant questions left unanswered by the author, present your own analysis of the issue under examination, or discuss a common trait in the different readings. A closed book/closed notes midterm exam will be held in the midterm week. The final exam will be an open book/closed notes essay exam. Course Readings and Outline 2
All readings are in a reading packet available for purchase from the Nashuatec photocopy center and for loan from the library. Students are strongly encouraged to acquire their own packet so that they may mark and highlight passages while reading. You should bring the readings with you to class as we may refer to specific passages during class discussions. A list of readings and a course schedule are provided below. We will try to cover as much of the readings as possible this term. Readings for each session will be announced throughout the quarter. Be sure to check your email regularly. 3
READING LIST SECONDARY SOURCES 1 - Works [Islam], Faith [Iman], and Perfection [Ihsan] in William C. Chittick, Faith and Practice of Islam (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1992), 1-5. 2 - Ihsan, Ikhlas, and Taqwa, in Faith and Practice of Islam, 9-12. 3 - Scriptural Themes in John Renard, Seven Doors to Islam (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1996), 9-13. 4 - Rise and Early Development of Sufism in Fazlur Rahman, Islam (Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1979), 128-132. 5 - The Ascetics and The Mystics in A.J. Arberry, Sufism (London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1956), 31-44. 6 - The Mystics in Sufism, 45-63. 7 - The Decay of Sufism in Sufism, 119-123. 8 - Sufism and Islam, Faith and Practice of Islam, 165-179. 9 - The Poverty of Fanaticism, T.J. Winter in Joseph E.B. Lumbard, ed., Islam, Fundamentalism, and the Betrayal of Tradition (Bloomington, IN: World Wisdom Inc., 2004), 283-295. AUTOBIOGRAPHY 10 - Al Munqidh min al-dalal, Imam Abu Hamid al-ghazali, translated as Deliverance from Error by R.J. McCarthy (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2000), 17-35. 11 - Deliverance from Error, 35-42, 51-66. 12 - Deliverance from Error, 66-80. FIRST PRINCIPLES CANONICAL WORKS 13 - Sufism s Great Books in Seven Doors to Islam, 184-185. 14 - On Following the Book and Sunna in ar-risala al-mu aawana, Imam Abdallah ibn Alawi al-haddad, translated as The Book of Assistance by Mostafa Badawi (London: The Quilliam Press, 1989), 36-39. 15 - On Acquiring Knowledge in The Book of Assistance, 26-27. 4
16 - Sufism [Tasawwuf] in ar-risala al-qushayriya, Imam Abul-Qasim al- Qushayri, translated as The Principles of Sufism by Barbara von Schlegell (Berkeley, CA: Mizan Press, 1990), 301-307. 17 - Fear of God [Taqwa] in The Principles of Sufism, 25-31. 18 - Abstaining [Wara ] in The Principles of Sufism, 32-39. 19 - On Scrupulousness [Wara ] in The Book of Assistance, 77-81. 20 - Introduction to Purification in Matharat al-qulub, Imam Muhammad al- Mawlud, Purification of the Hearts, translation and commentary by Hamza Yusuf (Chicago: Starlatch, 2004), 13-21. 21 - Striving [Mujahada] in The Principles of Sufism, 12-18. REFORMING CHARACTER General Principles 22 - Moral Character [Khuluq] in The Principles of Sufism, 240-247. 23 - An Exposition of the True Nature of Good and Bad Character in Kitab Riyadat al-nafs, Ihya Ulum al-din, Imam Abu Hamid al-ghazali, translated as On Disciplining the Soul, Book XXII of The Revival of the Religious Sciences by T.J. Winter (Cambridge: The Islamic Texts Society, 1995), 15-30. 24 - A General Exposition of the Means by which Good Character may be Acquired, in On Disciplining the Soul, 31-38. Desires 25 - Opposition to the Self [Mukhalafat an-nafs] in The Principles of Sufism, 95-100. 26 - Hunger and the Abandonment of Passion [Ju wa Tark ash-shahwa] in The Principles of Sufism, 79-84. 27 - An Exposition of the Benefits of Hunger, and the Evils of Satiety in On Disciplining the Soul, 117-132. 28 - An Exposition of the Variance in the Rule and Merit of Hunger in On Disciplining the Soul, 154-160. 29 - An Exposition of the Merit of him who Counters the Desire of the Sex and the Eye in On Disciplining the Soul, 183-191. 30 - Fantasizing in Purification of the Hearts, 51-52. 31 - True Love [ Ishq Haqiqi] and Metaphorical Love [ Ishq Majazi] in Ishq Ilahi, translated as Love for Allah (Chicago: Faqir Publications, 2001), 59-61. 32 - Shame [Haya ] in The Principles of Sufism, 196-201. Anger 33 - Anger [Ghadab] in Purification of the Hearts, 101-114. 5
Greed 34 - The Root of all Diseases [i.e. covetousness or tama a] in Purification of the Hearts, 159-162. 35 - Miserliness [Bukhl] in Purification of the Hearts, 22-27. Envy and Spite 36 - Hatred [Bughd] in Purification of the Hearts, 30-31. 37 - Rancor [Ghill] in Purification of the Hearts, 122-123. 38 - Envy [Hasad] in Purification of the Hearts, 39-47. 39 - Envy [Hasad] in The Principles of Sufism, 101-104. Pride and Arrogance 40 - Pride and Heedlessness in al-fusul al- Ilmiyya wa l-usul al-hikmiyya, Imam Abdallah ibn Alawi al-haddad, translated as Knowledge and Wisdom by Mostafa al-badawi (Chicago: The Starlatch Press, 2001), 9-10. 41 - Vanity [ Ujb] in Purification of the Hearts, 97-99. 42 - Humility [Khushu] in The Principles of Sufism, 85-94. LOVE OF THE WORLD 43 - Love of the World in Purification of the Hearts, 36-38. 44 - Love of this World in Mutual Reminding, Imam Abdallah ibn Alawi al- Haddad, translated by Mostafa Badawi (Chicago: The Starlatch Press, 2002), 23-35. 45 - Selections on Calculation and Planning for this World from Kitab al-tanwir fi Isqat al-tadbir, Imam Ibn Ata Allah al-iskandari, translated by Scott A. Kugle as The Book of Illumination (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2005), 158-170. INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE [MA RIFA] OF ALLAH 46 - On the Kinds of the Sciences of Faith in Nasir al-din Qunawi, The Easy Roads of Sayf al-din, translated by William C. Chittick in Faith and Practice of Islam, 117-123. 47 - On the Realities of the First Principle, Faith in God in Nasir al-din Qunawi, The Rising Places of Faith, translated by William C. Chittick in Faith and Practice of Islam, 39-43. 48 - On Certainty [Yaqin] in The Book of Assistance, 7-9. 49 - Certainty [Yaqin] in The Principles of Sufism, 140-146 50 - Gnosis [Ma rifa bi llah] in The Principles of Sufism, 316-324. 6
51 - Risala fi bayan Ma rifat Allah, Imam Abu Hamid al-ghazali translated as Treatise on the Intimate Knowledge of God by William Shepard in John Renard, ed., Windows on the House of Islam (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998), 355-359. 52 - The Vision of God, and His Overwhelming Mercy, in Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al-haddad, The Lives of Man, translated by Mostafa al-badawi (London: Quilliam Press, 1991), 80-84. THE NINE STATES [Tawba, Khawf, Raja, Sabr, Shukr, Zuhd, Tawakkul, Mahabba, Rida] 53 - Selections on Contentment and Calculation, The Book of Illumination, 73-80. 54 - On Repentance, Hope, and Fear in The Book of Assistance, 105-110. 55 - Repentance [Tawba] in The Principles of Sufism, 1-11. 56 - Fear [Khawf] in The Principles of Sufism, 55-63. 57 - Hope [Raja ] in The Principles of Sufism, 64-75. 58 - On Fortitude in The Book of Assistance, 111-114. 59 - Patience [Sabr] in The Principles of Sufism, 147-156. 60 - On Gratitude in The Book of Assistance, 115-116. 61 - Thankfulness [Shukr] in The Principles of Sufism, 131-139. 62 - On Renunciation in The Book of Assistance, 117-119. 63 - Renunciation [Zuhd] in The Principles of Sufism, 40-46. 64 - On Reliance on God in The Book of Assistance, 120-122. 65 - Trust in God [Tawakkul] in The Principles of Sufism, 114-130. 66 - Kitab al-tawhid wa l-tawakkul, Ihya Ulum al-din, Imam Abu Hamid al-ghazali, translated as Faith in Divine Unity and Trust in Divine Providence, Book XXXV of The Revival of the Religious Sciences by David Burrell (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2001), 55-69. 67 - On Divine Love and Contentment in The Book of Assistance, 123-127. 68 - Love [Mahabba] in The Principles of Sufism, 325-341. 69 - Satisfaction [Rida] in The Principles of Sufism, 162-168. THE WAY OF THE PATH [TARIQAH] 70 - Sincerity [Ikhlas] in The Principles of Sufism, 186-189. 71 - Truth [Sidq] in The Principles of Sufism, 190-195. 72 - Desire [Irada] in The Principles of Sufism, 175-181. 7
73 - Longing [Shawq] in The Principles of Sufism, 342-348. 74 - On Vigilance in The Book of Assistance, 13-14. 75 - Vigilant Awareness [Muraqaba] in The Principles of Sufism, 157-161. 76 - Servitude [ Ubudiya] in The Principles of Sufism, 169-174. 77 - The State of Servanthood in The Book of Illumination, 116-118. 78 - Remembrance [Dhikr] in The Principles of Sufism, 206-213. 79 - Treatments in Purification of the Hearts, 162-172. 80 - Stray Thoughts and Recollection in The Book of Illumination, 134-144. 81 - Comprehensive Treatment for the Heart in Purification of the Hearts, 144-158. 82 - An Exposition of the Symptoms by which the Diseases of the Heart may be Recognized in On Disciplining the Soul, 46-54. 83 - The Condition of the Lovers of Allah in This World in Love for Allah, 23-33. 84 - The Signs of a Sincere Lover in Love for Allah, 89-94. PRACTICAL MANUALS [RASAAIL] 85 - The Second Life: Dunya- the Lower World in Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al- Haddad, The Lives of Man, translated by Mostafa al-badawi (London: Quilliam Press, 1991), 15-40. 86 - Introduction in The Book of Assistance, 1-6. 87 - On Intention in The Book of Assistance, 10-12. 88 - On the Inner and Outer Self in The Book of Assistance, 15-16. 89 - On Regular Devotions in The Book of Assistance, 17-23. 90 - On Reciting the Qur an in The Book of Assistance, 24-25. 91 - On Remembrance in The Book of Assistance, 28-30. 92 - On Reflection in The Book of Assistance, 31-35. 93 - On Religious Obligations in The Book of Assistance, 43-46. 94 - The Treatise on the Good Manners of the Spiritual Disciple s Wayfaring in Imam Abdullah ibn Alawi al-haddad, Two Treatises, translated by Mostafa al- Badawi (Chicago: The Starlatch Press, 2002), 47-74. 95 - The Golden Mean in Knowledge and Wisdom, 59-62. 96 - Selection on Work and Worship in The Book of Illumination, 177-185. 97 - Seeking Provision and Making Work Beautiful in The Book of Illumination, 262-267. 8
LETTERS [MAKTUBAAT] 98 - Keeping in Touch in Seven Doors to Islam, 194-198. 99 - Ayyuha l-walad, Imam Abu Hamid al-ghazali, translated as Letter to a Disciple by Tobias Mayer (Cambridge, UK: Islamic Texts Society, 2005), 2-60 [even pages only]. 100 - Maktubat-e-Rabbaniyyah, Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi, selections translated by Muhammad Abdul Haq Ansari, Sufism and Shari ah (Leicester, UK: The Islamic Foundation, 1986), 173-178, 181, 198-199, 207. POETRY [ASH AAR] AND PARABLES [HIKAYAAT] 101 - Principal Poetic Forms in Seven Doors to Islam, 116-117. 102 - Selected poems [ash aar] from Al-Mathnawi, Imam Jalaluddin al-rumi, translated as A Rumi Anthology Volume I - Rumi: Poet and Mystic by Reynold A. Nicholson (Oxford, UK: Oneworld, 2000), 39, 46, 48, 52-57, 59, 61, 64, 68-72, 75-76, 90-91, 97, 112-113, 127, 144. 103 - Selected parables [hikayaat] from Al-Mathnawi in A Rumi Anthology Volume II Tales of Mystic Meaning, 27-28, 41-46, 58-60, 64-66. NOTED SAYINGS AND TEACHINGS [MALFUZAAT] 104 - Borrowed Notes in Seven Doors to Islam, 188-189. 105 - Malfuzat, selections, Shaykh Abd al-qadir al-jilani, translated as Utterances by Muhtar Holland (Houston, TX: Al-Baz Publishing, 1992), 7-9, 12-14, 18, 20-21, 26, 37, 39, 44-45, 58. 106 - Malfuzat, selections, 63-65, 67, 84-85, 87-89, 92-93, 99, 110, 113-114, 129-130, 133. ANECDOTES OF WISDOM [HIKAM] & INTIMATE SUPPLICATIONS [MUNAJAAT] 107 - Wisdom Literature: Morals for the Masses in Seven Doors to Islam, 92-95. 108 - Selections from Kitab al-hikam, Ibn Ata illah translated as The Book of Wisdom by Victor Danner (New York: Paulist Press, 1978), handout pages 1-8. 109 - Kitab al-hikam, selections, handout pages 9-12. 110 - Selections from Munajaat, Ibn Ata illah translated as Intimate Discourses by Victor Danner (New York: Paulist Press, 1978), handout pages 13-15. 9
THE HEART [QALB] AND STATES AND STAGES ON THE PATH 111 - The Wonders of the Heart in On Disciplining the Soul, 233-243. 112 - Bayan al-farq, Al-Hakim al-tirmidhi translated as A Treatise on the Heart by Nicholas Heer (Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2003), 11-40. 113 - Shariah and Ma rifah in Muhammad Abdul Haq Ansari, Sufism and Shari ah (Leicester, UK: The Islamic Foundation, 1986), 71-72. 114 - Shar iah and Haqiqah in Sufism and Shari ah, 74-81. 115 - Maktubat-e-Rabbaniyyah, selections, 221-222, 228-247. 116 - Perimeters of Islamic Sufism in Sufism and Shari ah, 119-130. TASAWWUF IN RECENT TIMES 117 - Ibn Taymiyah and Sufism in Sufism and Shari ah, 130-139. 118 - The Alim as Shaikh in Barbara Daly Metcalf, Islamic Revival in British India (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1982), 157-164. 119 - Maktubat-e-Faqir, selections, translated as Wisdom for the Seeker (Chicago: Faqir Publications, 2002), Letters Five, Six, Ten, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen, Twenty-Three, Twenty-Four. 10
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