Muslim Devotional Literatures in South Asia: Qawwalis, Sufiana Kalam (Sufi Poetry) and the Ginans
RELIGION 1814 – Ali Asani
This course explores traditions of Islamic spirituality in South Asia through the lens of three genres: the qawwali, concerts of mystical poetry; sufiana kalam, Sufi romantic epics and folk poems; and the ginans, hymns of esoteric wisdom recited by the Satpanthi Ismailis. Since these genres represent examples of language, symbols and styles of worship shared across Islamic and non-Islamic denominational boundaries, we will also examine their relationships with other Indic traditions of devotion, particularly those associated with the so-called sant and Hindu bhakti movements. Special emphasis will be given to the impact of contemporary political ideologies, globalization and the revolution in media technology on the form and function of these genres and their relationship with contemporary communities of faith in South Asia and beyond. Eligible for cross-registration with permission of instructor/subject to availability. For Undergraduates. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3375.
Some of the Readings on the Ismaili Ginans from this new Harvard Course are listed at Ismailignosis.com
Source: Islamic Studies Program at Harvard – Courses Spring 2016: Study of Religion
via Ismaili Gnosis
Header image: Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
Ismailimail 