REL4091S/REL5091S: Spirituality and Ethics in Islam: Explorations in Sufism

REL4091S / REL5091S    SPIRITUALITY AND ETHICS IN ISLAM: EXPLORATIONS IN SUFISM
(Not offered in 2025)
REL4091S: 24 NQF credits at NQF level 8
REL5091S: 24 NQF credits at NQF level 9

Convener: Professor S Shaikh

Course entry requirements:
REL4091S: Acceptance for an honours programme.
REL5091S: Acceptance for a master’s programme.

Course outline: 
This course explores Islamic spirituality and its relationship to ethics. A significant manifestation of spirituality in the Islamic tradition is embodied in the way of the Sufis. Sufism is the name given to the mystical path (al-tariqa) of Islam, and remains one of the most influential interpretations and practices of Islam. In this course we trace core developments within Sufi doctrine and practices including rituals, techniques for self-cultivation, music and poetry, as well as animating ideas of human subjectivity and diversity, and how these are embodied in communal life and social relations, both in the past and in the present. In its attentiveness to ethics, the course will also explore the implications and connections of Sufism to law and legal ethics.

Lecture Times: Wednesdays

DP requirements: Regular participation in weekly seminars; submission of all prescribed assignments by due dates.

Assessment:

• REL4091S: Attendance of and preparation for seminars; oral presentations (10%), seminar papers (45%) and a final essay of 4000 words (45%).
• REL5091S: Attendance of and preparation for seminars; oral presentations (10%), seminar papers (45%) and a final essay of 6000 words (45%).