Spring 2021, CairoThematic Course
Meaningful Conversation with (a) Quran
Course details
- Cycle
- Spring 2021, Cairo
- Starts
- Wednesday, Apr 28
- Meets
- Wednesday, 19:30–21:30
- Length
- 9 sessions
- Taught in
- English
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About the course
'Read in the Name of Your Lord' is stated to be the first revealed quranic verse. The question is how do I read in the name of my Lord? This class is an exploration in reading Quranic verses. We will be using the methodology proposed in the collection Risale-i-Nur (the Epistle of Light). In this collection, we see that the methodology used suggests that there are three Qurans: (wo)man, the universe and the Book. Together, we will be using the readings, the universe, the Quran and ourselves to answer the question of: How can the quran become an existential, personal, meaningful read? The class is open to anyone curious about the Quran. We will use the tools of observation, inquiry, reasoning and reflection. Most importantly, we will use our questions, our feelings, and our experiences.
Who teaches it
Radwa Salem is a returning student and fellow of CILAS. She first joined CILAS in 2013 thinking it was a transitional period from her finance undergraduate school to her social work graduate school. In 2014, she began studying the Quran in light of the Risale-i-Nur collection. Since 2017, she has been facilitating her weekly discussions that she calls Meaningful Conversations. The aim of MC is to allow space to inquire about one's inner world and discuss with others how one can 'become' a manifestation of mercy from within and with creation. Her interests are the Quran, social work and logotherapy.
Course flow
April 2021
Theme: Setting the stage
What is the Quran and how do we study it? We will explore together what do we already (think) we know about the quran and how do we want to read it?*
*syllabus may change according to the results of this discussion
- وعلم آدم الأسماء كله - And He taught Adam the names - Bing video
- The purpose of life: Jeffary Lang
- Turner, Colin. Reconsidering Jihad: The Perspective of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi.
May 2021
Theme: Different readings of the quran
For this class, we will discuss Colin Turner’s paper on Reconsidering Jihad. In this paper, it will be explained how most Islamic movements were social and political, often encouraging the use violence. However, one Islamic thinker observed the necessity of a new ‘jihad’, focusing on asking questions to build confidence in one’s faith. Turner explains that this the way to respond to ‘modernity’.
- Veiled Women Unveiling God: Understanding the Quran Through its Women Characters. Sister Zahra Moballegh
Theme: The Nursian methodology of reading the Quran
How many Qurans are there?
In this class, we will address the question of ‘what is the quran?” How can I read the quran for personal meanings in stead of laws and judgements? Here, I hope to explore the idea that human, universe and the book are all Qurans. Every created thing/human is a quran, so how am I to see that?
- Said Nursi, The Words, 24th Wordthis reading will continue for three sessions
For this class, we will discuss one possible meaning of the Quranic verse, “Read in the name of Your Lord.” We will visit the understanding of a Muslim from the legal perspective versus the belief perspective. Is a Muslim someone who submits to his/her truth or a follower of laws?
Who is to read the Quran? In the 24th word, the 2nd ray, Nursi explains how anyone and everyone can benefit from the Quranic verses. In this class, we will talk about the ‘openness and comprehensiveness of the Quran’.
June 2021
Theme: Existential Psychology and Faith
According to existential psychology, death is one of the existential concerns of human. However, Rollo May and Irvin Yalom treat death very positively so does Said Nursi. Here, we will ask the question, “what is the relationship between life and death and how are they the same?” “Is death an endpoint?”
- A chapter from Staring at the Sun by Irvin Yalom**subject to change
For this class, we can talk about human’s existential concern of meaninglessness as Irvin Yalom and Viktor Frankl suggest to be the modern human’s dilemma. Then, we will discuss the meaning of ‘being created due to Divine Love. Said Nursi suggests that the only reason to be created is because one’s Creator prefer me to exist, i.e, due to love.
- Viktor Frankl, the existential vacuumSuggested Readings
- Irvin Yalom, meaninglessnessSuggested Readings
- Said Nursi, the 24th word.Suggested Readings
In this class, we will discuss the notion of prayer. What is prayer? Is it an action or an attitude? How can we talk about freewill when it comes to faith and prayer?
- Ali Mermer: Between Supplication and Seeking ForgivenessReading/lecture
Theme: Application of the Nursian methodology
Everyone in this gathering will chose one verse (ayat) and provide a suggested meaning. Additionally, we will discuss one possible meaning of “and no bearer of burdens can bear the burden of another” (35:18) verse.
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