Spring 2023, CairoThematic Course
Meaningful Conversations with the Prophets
Course details
- Cycle
- Spring 2023, Cairo
- Length
- 5 weeks
- Format
- In person / Online
- Taught in
- English
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About the course
Who cares if Jonah was inside a whale? What does it matter than Cain killed Abe? Why did Adam eat from the tree? Are these just historical stories for bedtime? This class is an exploration of the methodology of reading prophetic stories in the Quran. We will be using the methodology used in the Risale-i-Nur (the Epistle of Light). How am I to read the story and how is it related to me? The methodology used by Said Nursi suggests that prophetic stories can help us learn about ourselves and our lives. The story does not speak to Muslims or believers, but rather to anyone who is interested in learning about him/herself, his/her life and his/her lord. We will use tools of the methodology of observation, inquiry, reasoning, and reflection. Most importantly, we will be using 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
Sessions without a date
Understanding the methodology of reading a prophetic story
- The Flashes/The First FlashSaid, Nursi. (erisale.com)
Adam lived in Paradise until he ate from the tree. In my life, what is paradise and where is the tree? Adam was then taught all the Names. What are the Names? Am I taught them too? How am I different than the angels?
- The Quran
“If you chose to kill me, I will not kill you”, Abe told Cain as he was being killed. What does this mean to me? Am I Cain or Abe? If someone is about to hurt, shall I become like Abe and fear God?
- The therapist and the soulElizabeth Lukas.
- The Quran
Noah’s people were described as arrogance.
What is arrogance and how am I arrogant? What about Noah is relevant to me?
What is the ship?
- The Quran
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