Event details
Apr
7
Islam and the Natural World: Exploring Esoteric Traditions
“And the Earth, We spread it out, and cast therein firmly set mountains and We have made to grow therein of all beautiful kinds; to give sight and as a reminder to every servant who turns to Allah.” [Qur'an: 50:7-8]
Why does the Qur’an emphasize contemplating the natural world? What does the faculty of intellect understand and gain from such contemplation? In this talk we will explore intellectual traditions from the Islamic world that interpret Qur’anic injunctions to contemplate Divine signs so that we may find the imprint of divinity in nature. We will also explore how artistic and architectural traditions from the Islamic world employ natural imagery as conduits of heavenly paradise.
Hosted in PUL’s Special Collections by Princeton’s Muslim Life program, this event will be lead by Sana Khan, PhD candidate in Near Eastern Studies, as she explores these questions and more regarding Islam and the natural world. We look forward to seeing you there.
Image used shows Bahram Gur hunting with Azada the Harpist on folio 329b of Kitāb-i Shāhnāmah by Firdawsī (Islamic Manuscripts, Third Series no. 310e).
Why does the Qur’an emphasize contemplating the natural world? What does the faculty of intellect understand and gain from such contemplation? In this talk we will explore intellectual traditions from the Islamic world that interpret Qur’anic injunctions to contemplate Divine signs so that we may find the imprint of divinity in nature. We will also explore how artistic and architectural traditions from the Islamic world employ natural imagery as conduits of heavenly paradise.
Hosted in PUL’s Special Collections by Princeton’s Muslim Life program, this event will be lead by Sana Khan, PhD candidate in Near Eastern Studies, as she explores these questions and more regarding Islam and the natural world. We look forward to seeing you there.
Image used shows Bahram Gur hunting with Azada the Harpist on folio 329b of Kitāb-i Shāhnāmah by Firdawsī (Islamic Manuscripts, Third Series no. 310e).
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