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.