Islam in Japan and the Cultural Imperative with Dr. Naoki Yamamoto: Shajarat Al Nur - Feb 15, 2025

 YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/0vRcRnrpf7s?si=6SUtjG3NGgBJn8oM

Talk Objective: In this virtual talk, under the theme of Suḥba, we explore the historic connection between Islam and Japanese culture and tradition. Dr. Naoki Yamamoto highlights how the dimension of iḥsan within the Islamic tradition plays a pivotal role in reviving and renewing traditional Japanese cultural practices and ethics. He also touches on aspects of the Japanese tea ceremony and its profound cultural significance. 

Speaker Profile: Dr. Qayyim Naoki Yamamoto is currently an assistant professor at the Graduate School of Turkic Studies, Marmara University. He completed his PhD at the Graduate School of Asia and Africa Studies, Kyoto University, in 2018. Dr. Yamamoto specializes in Ottoman Tasawwuf and traditional Japanese culture. His publications include a Japanese translation of Sulami’s ‘Kitāb al- Futuwwa’ and ‘Introduction to Tasawwuf: A Comparison with Shonen Manga (Shueisha Web Essay Series).

’ The Theme – Suḥba: Companionship has been the cornerstone – the beating heart – of traditional Islamic communities. Whether through seeking the guidance of a murshid (guide) to gain esoteric knowledge, building zāwiyahs (communal centers) for spiritual cultivation and craft refinement, or exchanging ideas and cultural inspirations, these practices have paved the way for soteriological blossoming within the Islamic tradition. In this series of talks, we explore this topic – steeped in spiritual depth and historical context. About Us: Shajarat al-Nur is dedicated to reviving traditional cognitive frameworks embedded and influenced by the science of the heart – “iḥsan.” We draw inspiration from spiritual cultivation to respond to contemporary challenges while remaining grounded and connected through pursuing excellence and knowledge. 

Our mission at Shajarat al-Nur is to illuminate the path to the traditional sciences through engaging talks and live events led by renowned scholars and experts.

Through the Lens | al-Zāwiyah: the Corner of Blessings with Peter Sanders: Shajarat Al Nur - Video: Feb 9, 2025

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/nzjzM4Xd-Hw?si=GbWZ_iMMYmF5ZkCU

Talk Objective: In this virtual interactive talk, centered on the theme of Suhba, we explore the pivotal role of the zāwiyah (communal center) in fostering soteriological growth within the Islamic tradition. Renowned photographer Peter Sanders guides us through a visual journey with his captivating photographs and personal experiences of zāwiyahs in Morocco and Libya. We explore the enduring influence of these establishments and their evolving roles in contemporary Islamic societies. By examining historical precedents and modern iterations, we reveal how these ancient wellsprings of spirituality can guide and shape our responses to today’s complex challenges, drawing from their timeless wisdom and creativity.

Speaker Profile: Peter (Abdul-Adheem) Sanders is the world’s preeminent photographer of the Muslim world. For over fifty-five years, he has captured more than half a million images that reflect a rich traditional civilization filled with warmth, humanity, and compassion. His exemplary work and initiatives earned him a place among the 500 most influential Muslims in the world. He serves as a permanent ambassador for MOSAIC, a charity established by HRH King Charles. Born in London, Sanders began his career in photography in the mid-1960s, capturing the faces of well-known musicians such as Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and The Rolling Stones. In the 1970s, his focus shifted to the traditional and spiritual universe of Islam, and he converted to Islam in 1971. That same year, Sanders had the unique opportunity to document the world's largest worship gathering in Mecca during the Hajj season. Sanders traveled the world to meet and photograph saints and sages of Islam, publishing his work in books such as “Meetings with Mountains: Encounters with Saints and Sages of the Islamic World” and “Exemplars of Our Time” with Michael Sugich. He is currently finalizing his book “Heaven, Earth, and the 10,000 Things: The Lives of the Muslims of China”. The Theme – Suhba: Companionship has been the cornerstone – the beating heart – of traditional Islamic communities. Whether through seeking the guidance of a murshid (guide) to gain esoteric knowledge, building zāwiyahs (communal centers) for spiritual cultivation and craft refinement, or exchanging ideas and cultural inspirations, these practices have paved the way for soteriological blossoming within the Islamic tradition. In this series of talks, we explore this topic – steeped in spiritual depth and historical context. About Us: Shajarat al-Nur is dedicated to reviving traditional cognitive frameworks embedded and influenced by the science of the heart – “iḥsan.” We draw inspiration from spiritual cultivation to respond to contemporary challenges while remaining grounded and connected through pursuing excellence and knowledge. Our mission at Shajarat al-Nur is to illuminate the path to the traditional sciences through engaging talks and live events led by renowned scholars and experts.

Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture: Dr Mostafa Badawi - Interview with Muhammad Abd Al-Aziz

YouTube Video: Muhammad Jawad - Feb 8, 2025

https://youtu.be/gVC9BcMF-oo?si=WWMhGliDWyLmFKAW

Islamic Architecture is among the most recognisable and most admired in the world. It’s known for its beauty, precision and timelessness, but few understand the meanings and metaphors that underpin it. In this book, Dr Mostafa Badawi takes an unprecedented look at the Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture taking the reader on a journey to uncover long forgotten meanings.

Amazon Book : Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture - Mostafa Badawi

https://www.amazon.com/SPIRITUAL-SIGNIFICANCE-ISLAMIC-ARCHITECTURE-Mostafa/dp/0952085364

"About The Book Islamic Architecture is among the most recognizable and most admired in the world. It’s known for its beauty, precision, and timelessness, but few understand the meanings and metaphors that underpin it. In this incredible new publication, Dr. Mostafa Badawi takes an unprecedented look at the Spiritual Significance in Islamic Architecture taking the reader on a journey to uncover long forgotten meanings. This stunning production comprises of 452 full colour pages with premium gold gilted edges, cloth hardback, and dust jacket making it a must have for every home and a perfect gift. Book Blurb It is a cosmic law that the universe that we know is made of complementary and interacting pairs, positive and negative, upper and lower, matter and anti-matter, and so on. That this is the reflection in the created universe of the polarization of the Divine Attributes into Attributes of Majesty and Attributes of Beauty has always been known to Muslim intellectuals. But that this law is represented pervasively in all Islamic art and especially architecture has been lost sight of by the Muslims of today. In fact, everything in a traditional Muslim environment, not only architecture, but furniture, utensils, clothes, and calligraphy, is a spiritual reminder of God and the laws governing this world and the next. This study explores in unprecedented detail and with authoritative textual references the deeper meanings of many of the elements of Islamic architecture."

A Man of Many Splendours - Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad RA:His Life, Mission and Influence" by Dr Mostafa al-Badawi - Interview by Dr. HA Hellyer

 YouTube Video - Source: Muhammad Jawad -Jan 21, 2025

The book "A Man of Many Splendours: Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad : His Life, Mission and Influence" by Dr Mostafa al-Badawi.On the 14th Rajab 1416 (1995) Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad (Rahimahullah) returned back to his Lord. Today we remember the great scholar and saint and the special qualities he possessed. “Mashhur means famous and Habib Ahmad did indeed become exceptionally famous. His presence was imposing, yet at the same time, because of his engaging and affectionate manners, quite soothing. His knowledge was awesome. He was truly a man of many splendours."

https://youtu.be/mvQXlnlhlf4?si=KZd9X3r8Dz5gr1R1

Book: A vivid and detailed portrait of Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, the great 20th century Ba-Alawi scholar and saint whose influence in many parts of East Africa was so profound that he was considered the Renewer (Mujaddid) of Islam.

"Habib Ahmad Mashhur Al-Haddad (1907-1995): His Life, Mission & Influence

A vivid and detailed portrait of Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, the great 20th century Ba-Alawi scholar and saint whose influence in many parts of East Africa was so profound that he was considered the Renewer (Mujaddid) of Islam.

An equally great and famous Saint of the 13th century CE, Shaykh Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi, the direct successor at the head of the Shadhili Sufi Order of Shaykh Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili, said, “Know that whomever God chooses to make a summoner to Him He must make known to His servants, for only then will he be able to call them to Him. He will then clothe him in boch majesty and splendour.”

Mashhur means famous and Habib Ahmad did indeed become exceptionally famous. His presence was imposing, yet at the same time, because of his engaging and affectionate manners, quite soothing. His knowledge was awesome. He was truly a man of many splendours.

To compile this account, Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi drew on the numerous verbal and written accounts he lad been collecting over the years from those who had known Habib Ahmad closely, his own personal experience, Habib Ahmad’s writings, letters and poems, and the many recordings of his discourses.

Source:https://ivpublishing.org/book/man-of-many-splendours/

Sufism, Society & State –Istanbul Meet-up |Dr. Khairudin Aljunied - Ummatics - Jan 12,2025

 YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/7-HRqce3qUo?si=Z3RuTX1PgfeMfvbt

In this talk Professor Khairudin Aljunied (National University of Singapore) challenges traditional views of Sufism as purely pacifist, exploring its active and, at times, confrontational role in history. Introducing the concept of "Sufi warriorism," the lecture examines how Sufis have influenced imperial, ideological, material, and communal struggles through protagonist, protectionist, and purist approaches. Through historical vignettes, he offers a nuanced perspective on Sufism’s impact on the political and societal evolution of Muslim states, encouraging a rethinking of its role in shaping the Muslim world's past and present.

Amazon: Contemplating Sufism: Dialogue & Tradition across Southeast Asia -Dr. Khairudin Aljunied 

"The book argues that the Sufis employed creative and spirited dialogues with themselves and those they encountered to sustain their importance in Southeast Asia for many centuries." "Concise chapters illustrate the inventiveness of the Sufis in spreading their ideas while highlighting their influence on ideological, emotional, cultural, political, and social changes in Southeast Asia. Uncovering how and why Sufism became an energetic force in Southeast Asian history."

Dr. Khairudin Aljunied's Website:https://khairudinaljunied.com/

Dr. Khairudin Aljunied's Biography :https://discovery.nus.edu.sg/1119-khairudin-aljunied

Professor James D.Frankel ( Harun Abd al-Latif ar-Rahman ):Director at Centre for the Study of Islamic Culture - CSIC, CUHK- Journey to Islam & his Books

Professor James D.Frankel's Journey to Islam: 

https://islamconverts.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/us-professor-james-frankels-journey-to-islam/

James Frankel: How I came to Islam ? Video - Hikma Islam TV

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSFVR_Pa2Lk&t=31s

James D. Frankel Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/jamesdfrankel/

James D.Frankel Website:

https://www.jamesdfrankel.com/

James D.Frankel Biography:

https://www2.crs.cuhk.edu.hk/faculty-staff/teaching-faculty/james-frankel

Amazon: Rectifying God's Name: Liu Zhi's Confucian Translation of Monotheism & Islamic Law.Rectifying God’s Name examines the life and work of one of the most important of the Qing Chinese Muslim literati, Liu Zhi (ca. 1660–ca. 1730), and places his writings in their historical, cultural, social, and religio-philosophical context. His Tianfang danli (Ritual law of Islam) represents the most systematic and sophisticated attempt within the Han Kitab corpus to harmonize Islam with Chinese thought.

https://www.amazon.com/-/he/James-D-Frankel/dp/0824834747

Rectifying God's Name: Liu Zhi's Confucian Translation of Monotheism & Islamic Law. PDF by Academia:https://www.academia.edu/75248251/Rectifying_Gods_Name_Liu_Zhis_Confucian_Translation_of_Monotheism_and_Islamic_Law

Amazon: Islam in China by James Frankel.

In this book, James Frankel studies the rich and dynamic history of Muslims in China from the Tang dynasty (618-907) to the present day. He shows that Muslims in China remain an internally diverse population separated geographically, ethnically, linguistically, economically, educationally, and along sectarian and kinship lines. But despite having its own local flavours and accents, Islam in China is recognisable as the same religious tradition practiced by approximately 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide and Muslims in China are inextricably part of society, living alongside other minorities and amongst the great Han Chinese majority.

https://www.amazon.com/Islam-China-James-D-Frankel/dp/1784539813

Bringing Life to the Heart | Ustadh Amjad Tarsin - ISNA Canada Podcast - September 30, 2024

YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf1eqKoTWMA

In this episode, Ustadh Amjad Tarsin delves into the ways in which we can protect our hearts from worldly matters. He outlines the harms of putting worldly success as the metric of our lives and how that effects our relationship with Allah. Ustadh Amjad discusses how each of us should cultivate our souls to seek nearness to Allah, and His Messenger rather than busying ourselves with social media and people's opinions.

The Kingdom of the Heart : Habib Umar bin Hafiz , Amjad Tarsin (translator) - Al-Maqasid - Mecca Books

This book uniquely shows the direct correlation between outward actions and the heart, giving us insights into how various actions impact the state of our hearts. Ultimately, it gives us a way to internalize the wisdom and purpose of acts of devotion, resulting in the purification of the heart and nearness to Allah ﷻ"Within every human being is a Kingdom. The heart is the ruler of this Kingdom, and the rest of the body are its subjects. If the heart rules with justice and excellence, the body will perform good actions and the Kingdom will flourish.
If, however, the heart neglects its duties, the body will be in a state of disobedience to Allah s and the entire Kingdom will suffer the consequences. Allah ﷻ made this Kingdom so crucial that through it the eternal and everlasting dominion of the next life is either gained or lost."
The Kingdom of the Heart by Habib 'Umar Bin Hafiz gives the reader a deeper understanding of the importance of cultivating the spiritual kingdom of the heart. Readers will gain a deeper appreciation into how outward actions have spiritual consequences.
Some of the topics covered are:

•⁠ ⁠The Tongue & Its Effects
•⁠ ⁠Looking at Creation with Love & Mercy
•⁠ ⁠The Impact of Shaking Hands
•⁠ ⁠Attending to the Ending of Our Lives
•⁠ ⁠The Impact of Intention

This book uniquely shows the direct correlation between outward actions and the heart, giving us insights into how various actions impact the state of our hearts. Ultimately, it gives us a way to internalize the wisdom and purpose of acts of devotion, resulting in the purification of the heart and nearness to Allah ﷻ.

Mecca Books:https://www.meccabooks.com/

Ustadh Amjad Tarsin Biography :Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ustadh Amjad obtained his Bachelor of Arts at the University of Michigan in English Literature and Islamic Studies. He then spent an intensive year studying at Dar al-Mustafa for Islamic Sciences in Tarim, Yemen. There he studied under such luminaries as Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Ali Abu Bakr, Habib Muhammad al-‘Aydarus, Sayyid Salim Bin Hafiz, Sh. Munir Ba-Zhayr, and others. Following his studies in Tarim, he enrolled at Hartford Seminary’s Islamic Chaplaincy program where he completed his Master of Arts in June of 2012. He then served as Muslim Chaplain at the University of Toronto for seven years before joining the faculty at Al-Maqasid in June 2019.
He is the host of SoulFood FM, a podcast about practical ways of achieving spiritual refinement. Additionally, he has translated Sufism: Its Essence & the Traits of Its People, Sacred Knowledge: Aims & Objectives, and The Islamic Discourse: Its Current State & Future Development, all of which were authored by al-Habib ‘Umar Bin Hafiz. Source: Al-Maqasid https://www.almaqasid.org/seminary-instructors