Critical Reading Group

Critical Reading Group hopes to engage with the writing of thinkers, scientists, philosophers and theologians – some well-known, others not so well-known – who have had or continue to have a profound, perhaps surprising influence in the world of ideas as we experience it today. We anticipate that the group will consist of Muslims and non-Muslims who take seriously but critically the undeniable edifice of most, if not all, great civilizations: fellowship, faith, learning and scholarship.

The group will meet weekly and, following a main presentation by a convener, discuss and debate the issues contained in and raised by readings from a core set of texts. We also hope that the secondary, transferable skills of critical thinking, systematic enquiry and collaborative learning are developed along the way. Above all, participants should bear in mind that neither agreement nor closure on subjects will be given much weight.

The details of the meetings are as follows:

VENUE: King’s College London (Strand Campus), Room 4A, Chesham Building

TIME: 6.30pm until 8pm DAY: Every Tuesday

CONVENORS: Dr Usama Hasan (Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University) & Dr Mahbub Gani (Lecturer, King’s College London) contact details: mahbub.gani{at}kcl.ac.uk

Please see below for our weekly topics and discussions.

Critical Reading Group Update

The Critical Reading Group (CRG) has recently completed its third season and is on recess for Ramadhan and summer vacation. Thankyou to all who participated and contributed to these rich, discursive evening events.

Season Three 2009/10 featured: The Iqbal Sessions (which are now online); Henri Bergson's 'Two Sources'; The Hadith that Time Sealed; and an extended engagement with the ideas of discursive tradition, embodiment and internal conversation through the works of Asad, Mahmood and Hirschkind. Topical concerns that arising over the year were also addressed, with special sessions on: Islamophobia and Sectarianism.

Watch this space for details of Season Four 2010/11.

 

CRG Update Spring/Summer 2010

The Critical Reading Group continues to meet and read and discuss together. We have shifted from Tuesday evenings to Mondays at the Strand campus of King's College London.  We meet in room 4A of the Chesham Building, between 630pm and 830pm.

Current readings include Talal Asad and the discursive tradition, and Saba Mahmood and embodiment of ritual practice.

for further directions to the venue read more...

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Introduction

Critical Reading Group hopes to engage with the writing of thinkers, scientists, philosophers and theologians – some well-known, others not so well-known – who have had or continue to have a profound, perhaps surprising influence in the world of ideas as we experience it today. We anticipate that the group will consist of Muslims  who take seriously but critically the undeniable edifice of most, if not all, great civilizations: fellowship, faith, learning and scholarship.

Please have a look below for our weekly topics and discussions 

Read more...

 

Spirtuality III: Ibn 'Arabi on Fasting

Critical Reading Group: 19th August 2008,  6.30pm - 8.30pm

Convenor: Dr Mahbub Gani

Reading:  Ibn 'Arabi, Futuhat Makkiyyah (Meccan Illuminations), Chapter 71 'On the Secrets of Fasting' (Link)

Since Ramadan is speedily approaching, it would be timely and appropriate to devote a session to a deeper and alternative reflection on the precious and essential pillar of Siyaam. When seeking profundity and provocation who better to turn to than Ibn 'Arabi! Thus, this week we will read and discuss the section on Fasting taken from Chapter 71 of the Futuhat Makkiyyah (Meccan Illuminations), which has been translated by Aisha Haq Bewley (see above).

Click here for venue details

 

IMASE Evolution Initiative

Please note the change of schedule 

Session 1

22nd July 2008: Primer on Evolution I: A critique of Muslim Style - Intelligent Design (brought forward)

Convenor: Salman Butt, PhD student in biology at Imperial College London

Session 2

29th July 2008: Primer on Evolution II: Clarification, Controversies and Myths

Convenor: Aalaa’ Al-Shamaaee, PhD student in Paleobiology at Univeristy College London

 

Session 3

5th August 2008: Theology and Evolution – Reconciliation and Possibilities

Convenor: Aalaa’ Al-Shamaaee, PhD student in Paleobiology at Univeristy College London

 

Click here for venue details

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