This episode discusses some elements related to the transition from the first dynasty of the world of Islam, the Banu Umayya, to the highly influential ruling dynasty of the Banu al-Abbas, bringing Muhammad's clan of Banu Hashim back to a leadership role. 

This episode discusses some elements related to the transition from the first dynasty of the world of Islam, the Banu Umayya, to the highly influential ruling dynasty of the Banu al-Abbas, bringing Muhammad's clan of Banu Hashim back to a leadership role.

EP.56--History: From the Umayyads to the Abbasids

This episode continues discussing the non-Muslim communities of the early Islamic period. The focus shifts to Christian communities after the Arab conquests. 

This episode continues discussing the non-Muslim communities of the early Islamic period. The focus shifts to Christian communities after the Arab conquests.

EP.55-The Non-Muslims of the Early Islamic Period (Part II)

This episode of the World of Islam briefly discusses the non-Muslim communities of the early Islamic period, particularly after the Arab conquests of the Near East and the establishment of an Islamic empire. The focus of this first part is on Judaism and the Jewish communities.

EP.54-The Non-Muslims of the Early Islamic Period (Part I)

This episode seeks to correct a major misconception concerning Islam and Muslim life. The Islam of the masses is not simply a reflection of the intellectual discourses that we have covered so far in the podcast.

Ep.53-Religion: Popular Islam

This episode of the World of Islam introduces the so-called Ikhwan al-Safa (The Brethren of Purity), a group of mysterious thinkers that produced a major encyclopedic philosophical work. We touch on Ismailism and the attempt to unify various forms of knowledge in classical Islam.   A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver LeamanThe Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

This episode of the World of Islam introduces the so-called Ikhwan al-Safa (The Brethren of Purity), a group of mysterious thinkers that produced a major encyclopedic philosophical work. We touch on Ismailism and the attempt to unify various forms of knowledge in classical Islam.   A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver LeamanThe Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

Ep.52-The Brethren of Purity

Al-Farabi (d.950) was one of the most important philosophers of the world of early Islam. This episode briefly introduces part of his contribution to metaphysics and political philosophy.  Sources and further readings:A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver LeamanThe Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

Al-Farabi (d.950) was one of the most important philosophers of the world of early Islam. This episode briefly introduces part of his contribution to metaphysics and political philosophy.  Sources and further readings: A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver LeamanThe Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

Ep.51-Al-Farabi and his Philosophy

This episode highlights two perspectives in early philosophy within Muslim contexts. Al-Kindi (d. 860s) viewed philosophy and religion as compatible and important whereas al-Razi (d.925) was skeptical of revelation and prophets.  Sources and further readings: A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver LeamanThe Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

This episode highlights two perspectives in early philosophy within Muslim contexts. Al-Kindi (d. 860s) viewed philosophy and religion as compatible and important whereas al-Razi (d.925) was skeptical of revelation and prophets.  Sources and further readings: A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver LeamanThe Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

EP.50-Philosophy and Religion between al-Kindi and al-Razi

This episode discusses the interaction with Greek philosophy in the early Islamic period. We encounter Plotinus, Neoplatonism, and the important Christian translators of Greek knowledge to Arabic which opened the door to the rise of major Muslim philosophers in later times.     Sources and further readings:A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver Leaman The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor  

This episode discusses the interaction with Greek philosophy in the early Islamic period. We encounter Plotinus, Neoplatonism, and the important Christian translators of Greek knowledge to Arabic which opened the door to the rise of major Muslim philosophers in later times.   Sources and further readings: A History of Islamic Philosophy           by Majid FakhryIslamic Philosophy A-Z                          by Peter S. GroffIslamic Philosophy: an Introduction   by Oliver Leaman The Cambridge Companion to Arabic Philosophy   Edited by P. Adamson/R.C. Taylor

EP.49-Philosophy in Early Islamic Contexts

Today's episode seeks to present a general picture of the Sufi worldview. Some of the questions we briefly deal with include: How do Sufis interpret revelation? And what is the Sufi "Way" or "Path" (tariqa)? We also encounter the terms kashf, haqiqa, maqamat, and ahwal.

EP.48--Religion: The Sufi Worldview

This episode discusses a further step in the later rise of full-fledged Sufi orientations within the world of Islam. We encounter the concepts of ma`rifa (intuitive knowledge), fana' (annihilation in God), and baqa' (subsistence), as well as the important figures of Bistami (d.875), al-Junayd (d.910), and al-Hallaj (d.922).

EP.47--Religion: From Asceticism to Mysticism

Historical surveys and current discussions surrounding religion, culture, and politics in Muslim settings

I hope the host will continue the series - his style and content is just right for me.  He strikes a balance among scholarly, religious, popular/devotional, political views, historical and current contexts.  Each topic is pretty self-contained but also refers the listener to other relevant episodes.  I&#39;ve &#34;saved&#34; all the episodes and go back to them from time to time.  Thank you so much!

Perfect length, to-the-point, even-handed

Enjoyable and informative — and also timely.

Well spoken and informative.

The World of Islam: Culture, Religion, and Politics

This episode of the World of Islam continues looking into the world in which the religion of Islam would  eventually develop. We will take a brief look at Christianity and Zoroastrianism in the Near East of late  antiquity.

This episode of the World of Islam continues looking into the world in which the religion of Islam would eventually develop. We will take a brief look at Christianity and Zoroastrianism in the Near East of late antiquity.

EP.3--Religion: The Pre-Islamic Environment II (Christianity, Zoroastrianism)

Cheb Hasni

This episode presents some of the major Rai singers of the 1990's. We encounter Cheb Mami, Cheb Sahraoui, Chebba Fadela, Chebba Zahouania, Cheb Nasro, and Cheb Bilal. We pay particular attention to Cheb Hasni who was considered the King of Love Rai and who was assassinated in Oran during the Civil War of the 1990's.  The episode contains musical excerpts from the singers above in addition to short selections from Cheb El Hindi and Cheb Abbes.  Sources and further reading:  Daoudi, B. &amp; Miliani H. L'aventure du Raï Drewett, M &amp; Cloonan, M. Popular Music Censorship in Africa Plastino, G. Mediterranean Mosaic: Popular Music and Global Sounds Schade-Poulsen, M. Men and Popular Music in Algeria: The Social Significance of Raï Virolle, M. La chanson Raï : De l'Algérie profonde à la scène internationale

This episode presents some of the major Rai singers of the 1990's. We encounter Cheb Mami, Cheb Sahraoui, Chebba Fadela, Chebba Zahouania, Cheb Nasro, and Cheb Bilal. We pay particular attention to Cheb Hasni who was considered the King of Love Rai and who was assassinated in Oran during the Civil War of the 1990's. The episode contains musical excerpts from the singers above in addition to short selections from Cheb El Hindi and Cheb Abbes. Sources and further reading: Daoudi, B. &amp; Miliani H. L'aventure du Raï Drewett, M &amp; Cloonan, M. Popular Music Censorship in Africa Plastino, G. Mediterranean Mosaic: Popular Music and Global Sounds Schade-Poulsen, M. Men and Popular Music in Algeria: The Social Significance of Raï Virolle, M. La chanson Raï : De l'Algérie profonde à la scène internationale

EP.16--Culture: Cheb Hasni and the Birth and Death of Love Rai

Cheb Khaled

We continue looking at Rai Music. This episode presents the career of Khaled Hadj Brahim as emblematic in the way Pop-Rai develops from the 1970's to today. Cheb Khaled is arguably the best Rai singer of his generation. His impact on the direction and the success of this musical style cannot be underestimated. He is known as the King of Rai.Sources and further reading:  Daoudi, B. &amp; Miliani H. L'aventure du Raï Drewett, M &amp; Cloonan, M. Popular Music Censorship in Africa Plastino, G. Mediterranean Mosaic: Popular Music and Global Sounds Schade-Poulsen, M. Men and Popular Music in Algeria: The Social Significance of Raï Virolle, M. La chanson Raï : De l'Algérie profonde à la scène internationale

We continue looking at Rai Music. This episode presents the career of Khaled Hadj Brahim as emblematic in the way Pop-Rai develops from the 1970's to today. Cheb Khaled is arguably the best Rai singer of his generation. His impact on the direction and the success of this musical style cannot be underestimated. He is known as the King of Rai. Sources and further reading: Daoudi, B. &amp; Miliani H. L'aventure du Raï Drewett, M &amp; Cloonan, M. Popular Music Censorship in Africa Plastino, G. Mediterranean Mosaic: Popular Music and Global Sounds Schade-Poulsen, M. Men and Popular Music in Algeria: The Social Significance of Raï Virolle, M. La chanson Raï : De l'Algérie profonde à la scène internationale

EP.15--Culture: Cheb Khaled and the Transformation of Rai Music

In this episode of the World of Islam, we continue our survey of the history of Islamic thought, by looking at some of the difficulties inherent in approaching the life and career of Muhammad. We consider what Muslim sources tell a modern historian about the Prophet of Islam. Facebook: Like The World of Islam Podcast Facebook page Sources and Recommended Readings:  Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Jonathan A.C. Brown Muhammad (Past Masters) by Michael Cook Images of Muhammad: Narratives of the Prophet in Islam Across the Centuries by Tarif Khalidi The Life of Muhammad by I. Ishaq  Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters by Omid Safi The Cambridge Companion to Muhammad (Cambridge Companions to Religion) by Jonathan E. Brockopp Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam by Fred M. Donner

In this episode of the World of Islam, we continue our survey of the history of Islamic thought, by looking at some of the difficulties inherent in approaching the life and career of Muhammad. We consider what Muslim sources tell a modern historian about the Prophet of Islam. Facebook: Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/world.of.islam.podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The World of Islam Podcast Facebook page</a> Sources and Recommended Readings: Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Jonathan A.C. Brown Muhammad (Past Masters) by Michael Cook Images of Muhammad: Narratives of the Prophet in Islam Across the Centuries by Tarif Khalidi The Life of Muhammad by I. Ishaq Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters by Omid Safi The Cambridge Companion to Muhammad (Cambridge Companions to Religion) by Jonathan E. Brockopp Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam by Fred M. Donner

EP.5--Religion: Approaching Muhammad (Challenges; Sources: Qur'an, Hadith, Sira)

This episode of the World of Islam provides a short introduction to Arabia on the eve of the movement of Muhammad. Among other things, we discuss the problem of sources for the modern historian, the characteristics of Arab life, the religious perspectives of the Arabs, and the relation of Arabia to the two major empires of the time.

EP.4--Religion: The Pre-Islamic Environment III (Arabia)

After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, the question of the leadership of the community will prove to be a serious challenge for Muhammad's followers. Nevertheless, within a few decades, the Arab armies will be in control of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt, North Africa, Spain, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent, and will establish a large empire.   Sources and Further Reading:  The History of al-Tabari The Venture of Islam         by Marshall G.S. Hodgson The Early Islamic Conquests       by  Fred M. Donner

After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, the question of the leadership of the community will prove to be a serious challenge for Muhammad's followers. Nevertheless, within a few decades, the Arab armies will be in control of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Egypt, North Africa, Spain, Central Asia, and the Indian Subcontinent, and will establish a large empire. Sources and Further Reading: The History of al-Tabari The Venture of Islam         by Marshall G.S. Hodgson The Early Islamic Conquests       by  Fred M. Donner

EP.22--History: Abu Bakr, Umar, and the Arab Conquests

This episode starts introducing some early theological debates within Islam. What can these debates tell us about early Islam?  And how should we look at the relation between "orthodox" views and "heretical" ones?

EP.30--Religion: Early Theological Debates in Islam

This episode discusses what could be described with some reservations as the first sectarian group to rise within Islam. The Kharijites are often presented as a radical and violent group that terrorized the early community. What do we make of this image? This short introduction to the Kharijites gives some initial guidance in trying to answer this question.  Sources and Additional Readings: Kitab al-milal wal-nihal          by al-Shahrastani     Les schismes dans l'Islam      by Henri Laoust

This episode discusses what could be described with some reservations as the first sectarian group to rise within Islam. The Kharijites are often presented as a radical and violent group that terrorized the early community. What do we make of this image? This short introduction to the Kharijites gives some initial guidance in trying to answer this question.  Sources and Additional Readings: Kitab al-milal wal-nihal          by al-Shahrastani     Les schismes dans l'Islam      by Henri Laoust

EP.26--History: The First Radicals of Islam?

This episode of the podcast presents a summary of what the traditional sira tells us about Muhammad's life in Mecca, including his early life, the start of his mission as a prophet, and the difficulties he encounters in this environment.Twitter:Follow The World of Islam Podcast on Twitter Facebook: Like The World of Islam Podcast Facebook page Sources and Recommended Readings:  Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Jonathan A.C. Brown Muhammad (Past Masters) by Michael Cook Images of Muhammad: Narratives of the Prophet in Islam Across the Centuries by Tarif Khalidi The Life of Muhammad by I. Ishaq  Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters by Omid Safi The Cambridge Companion to Muhammad (Cambridge Companions to Religion) by Jonathan E. Brockopp Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam by Fred M. Donner

This episode of the podcast presents a summary of what the traditional sira tells us about Muhammad's life in Mecca, including his early life, the start of his mission as a prophet, and the difficulties he encounters in this environment. Twitter: Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/W_Islam_Podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The World of Islam Podcast on Twitter</a> Facebook: Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/world.of.islam.podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The World of Islam Podcast Facebook page</a> Sources and Recommended Readings: Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Jonathan A.C. Brown Muhammad (Past Masters) by Michael Cook Images of Muhammad: Narratives of the Prophet in Islam Across the Centuries by Tarif Khalidi The Life of Muhammad by I. Ishaq Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters by Omid Safi The Cambridge Companion to Muhammad (Cambridge Companions to Religion) by Jonathan E. Brockopp Muhammad and the Believers: At the Origins of Islam by Fred M. Donner

EP.6--Religion: Sira I "Muhammad in Mecca"

What is Sharia? What is Fiqh? Is there a relation between law and theology?

EP.34--Religion: Introduction to Islamic Law

Today, we take a brief look at the important theological debate in early Islam over whether the Qur'an was created in history or rather eternal and uncreated. In our presentation, we discuss important contextual elements and encounter the early Abbasid Caliphs, the Rationalist Mu'tazilite theologians, and Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.

EP.32--Religion: The Created Qur'an

This episode elaborates on three early theological debates in early Islam, namely the leadership of the religious community, the relation of sinful actions to faith, and free will vs. determinism. Among other things, we encounter the Murji'a, the Jabriyya, the Qadariyya, and the Mu`tazila.

EP.31--Religion: Leadership, Faith, and Free Will

Episode 8 of the World of Islam Podcast takes a look at some seemingly controversial elements contained in the Sira literature. The elements that are briefly discussed include the so-called Satanic Verses, the marriages of Muhammad to Aisha and Zaynab, the assassination of some poets, and the fate of the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza in Medina.

Episode 8 of the World of Islam Podcast takes a look at some seemingly controversial elements contained in the Sira literature. The elements that are briefly discussed include the so-called Satanic Verses, the marriages of Muhammad to Aisha and Zaynab, the assassination of some poets, and the fate of the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza in Medina.

EP.8--Religion: Controversial Elements in the Sira of Muhammad

This episode introduces the early frames of Islamic lawbefore its more sophisticated stages. We discuss, among other things, law inthe Qur'an and the early conceptions of Sunna and Ra'y.

This episode introduces the early frames of Islamic law before its more sophisticated stages. We discuss, among other things, law in the Qur'an and the early conceptions of Sunna and Ra'y.

EP.35--Religion: Law in Early Islam

Hadith reports attributing sayings and actions to Muhammad came to play a major role in the shaping of the religion of Islam. This episode will discuss some of the classifications of Hadith that Muslim scholars came to adopt after the success of what can be termed the Hadith movement.

EP.39--Religion: Hadith and Sunna

What exactly is Jihad? This episode discusses the traditional doctrine of Jihad that Muslim Jurists developed and takes a brief look at related issues of conflict, peace, and pluralism in the Qur'an and some premodern Muslim legal discourses.

EP.43--Religion: Jihad, War, and Peace

Ibn al-Zubayr

This episode highlights another round of internal strife within the early community (680-692). Umayyad rule is challenged from many corners. The grandson of Muhammad, Husayn and a number of his followers are massacred at Karbala, the Kharijites dominate central Arabia, and Abdullah Ibn al-Zubayr establishes himself as a serious alternative to the Umayyads.

EP.27--History: Husayn, Ibn al-Zubayr, and the Second Civil War

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