IMASE

This week we will be discussing an essay written by R. W. J. Austin entitled, “Aspects of mystical prayer in Ibn ‘Arabi’s thought.” I hope you will forgive me, for I have taken the liberty to pick out the salient elements of the essay, while adding a few of my own comments. The reconstructed work can be found in the link above.

Also provided are some sketchy notes on the poem on prayer we studies last week.

Click here for venue details

*please note this session is on a Wednesday

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 Reflections 6: The Sustaining of Life

Fire is a form of energy released as heat and light during a chemical reaction known as, an exothermic combustion. During an exothermic reaction, substances transform to a more stable chemical form, in the case of a fire, it is carbon dioxide and water. Depending on the reaction the flame may or may not emit light, for example, burning alcohol or burning hydrogen is usually invisible to the naked eye.

Fire occurs naturally on earth and has played an important role in the development of the planet. Green plants change light energy to chemical energy, fire changes chemical energy to heat energy. Organisms change heat energy to other form of energy to live. ‘Fire’ breaks down complex organic molecules to smaller ones in our body when we digest food. The ability to control fire is one of humankind's great achievements. Fire making allowed humans the ability to generate and control the heat and light and made it possible for people to migrate to colder climates and enabled people to cook food.