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Dr Samer Dajani (The Muslim College, London) presents "Ibn 'Arabi and Islamic Reform in the 18th and 19th Centuries"

Part of the IAIS Visiting Speakers Series

Dr Samer Dajani studies the different methodologies of the Sunni schools of jurisprudence, as well as broader theories on legal diversity and the nature of the Shari'a. His PhD focused on the links between the legal thought of four major Sufi figures from the 3rd/9th centuries until the 19th century, as well as the influence of their ideas on later revivalist movements in the 19th and 20th centuries. He received his BA in Arab & Islamic Civilizations from the American University in Cairo, followed by an MA and PhD in the field of Islamic Studies from SOAS, University of London. He is the author of 'Reassurance for the Seeker: A Biography and Translation of Salih al-Ja 'fari's al Fawa'id al-Ja 'fariyya, a Commentary on Forty Prophetic Traditions' (Fons Vitae, 2013) and his upcoming works include 'The Sufis and the Law: Ibn 'Arabi's School of Mercy' (to be published). Dr Samer Dajani previously worked as a Research Fellow at the Cambridge Muslim Centre and is currently a lecturer at The Muslim College, London.


Event details

Abstract

"From Ibn Arabi to the Salafiyya: Ibn 'Arabi's School of Mercy and its Influence on Islamic Revivalist Movements"

This talk will introduce the approach of the major Sufi figure Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi to understanding and implementing the Shari'a.  It will show how his methodology compares to that of the different Sunni school of jurisprudence, and how it came to influence major figures after him.  Most importantly, it will show how this Sufi's jurisprudential writings had a profound impact on pre-modern Islamic revivalist movements and was instrumental in the rise of the early Salafi movement.

Tea and coffee will be served from 4.30pm in the IAIS Common Room.  All are welcome to attend and registration is not necessary.

Dr Samer Dajani

Location:

IAIS Building/LT1