Introduction to Islam and Muslim Civilizations

Abstract

What does it mean to be Muslim? What is the civilizational legacy of a faith practiced by one quarter of humanity? Addressing such questions, this course explores the rich and diverse traditions of Islam and Muslim Civilizations, ranging from history, law, and scripture through artistic expressions, mysticism, philosophy and beyond.

The course is structured as an adventure. Each module is called a “Caravan Journey” and units within the modules are “Serais.” In the Muslim world, Serais were bustling stopping places that supported the flow of information, commerce, and people across trade routes through much of Asia, North Africa, and Southeast Europe. Writing about his experience at one such Caravanserai in China (known as a funduq), the famous Muslim traveler Ibn Battutah observed:

“China is the safest and best country for the traveller. A man travels for nine months alone with great wealth and has nothing to fear. What is responsible for this is that in every post station in their country is a funduq which has a director living there with a company of horse and foot…. He sends someone with the travellers to conduct them to the next post station and he brings back a certificate from the director of the funduq confirming that they have all arrived. If he does not do this he is answerable for them. This is the procedure in every post station in their country from Sin al-Sin to Khan Baliq. In them is everything the traveller needs by way of provisions, especially hens and geese” (Gibb and Beckingham 1994, 893-894).

Similarly, at each of our Serais, we provide our student travelers with all they need by way of provisions, though perhaps no hens or geese. With the guides and guidebooks we make available to them, we enable them to cross all their Serais to then board the next Caravan, safe and sound, certificates in hand.

Caravan Journeys include readings and multimedia, pedagogical activities, and assessments. They provide rich, engaging, student-centered experiences for learners. Over forty outstanding content and education specialists, artists, musicians, filmmakers, and expert consultants have assisted me to develop these materials. To the extent possible, the journey represents the dynamic pluralism of Islam and Muslim Civilizations, showcasing diversity in terms of region, history, schools of interpretation, and gender. It incorporates both primary and secondary sources and goes beyond texts to incorporate video, sound, and images. Many living artists and musicians have contributed to the project.

The Caravan Journeys in this course about Islam and Muslim Civilizations include:

1. Studying Islam 2. The Quran 3. The Prophet and His Tradition 4. Prophecy 5. Shiʿism and Sufism 6. Ethics 7. Shariʿah 8. Muslim History 9. Heroes 10. Engaging with Others 11. Civil Society 12. Science