Information Package / Course Catalogue - Adnan Menderes University

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Commentary on Al-Luma

Course Code	: İL417
Course Type	: Area Elective
Couse Group	: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language	: Turkish
Work Placement	: N/A

Theory	: 2
Prt.	: 0
Credit	: 2
Lab	: 0
ECTS	: 4

Objectives of the Course

The work called al-Luma by Abu Nasr Sarraj (d. 378/988), which is considered one of the oldest existing works of Sufism, will be read and annotated in comparison with other works of Sufism written in the same period. In this respect, the content of the works written in the earliest period of Sufism will be examined together and it is aimed to provide information about the Sufi stage, terminology, issues and legislation of the fourth century of the Hijra and before.

Course Content

In this course; the following subjects will be discussed and commented on; the definition of Sufism, its definitions, its place among Islamic sciences, the origin of the word Sufi, the science of Batin, Tawhid-Muwahhid, the definition of Marifat-Arif, the stations, states, the Sufi methods of understanding, applying and deriving rulings from the Quran and Hadith, etiquette, the concepts of Sufism, Sema', Vecd, Miracles, Shatahat and the mistakes of those who claim to be Sufis, which are included in the work called al-Luma.

Name of Lecturer(s)

Learning Outcomes

1.	To examine what was written and said about Sufism over 1000 years ago, under the guidance of the oldest sources;
2.	To be aware of the sources, forms of expression and explanation of the topics discussed about Sufism in the fourth Hijri/tenth Gregorian century;
3.	To understand the spirit and needs of the said century from a Sufi perspective through mutual examination of the works written in the same period in the center of al-Lum‘a;
4.	To analyze the similar and different forms of expression and interpretation among the works and to conduct research on their causes;
5.	To understand that one of the most important ways to understand and analyze a science correctly is to benefit from the oldest works written in that field.

Recommended or Required Reading

1.	Abu Nasr Sarraj al-Tusi, al-Luma (Islamic Sufism), trans. H. Kamil Yilmaz (Istanbul: Erkam Publications, 2016)
2.	Kelabazi, et-Taarruf (Sufism in the Age of Birth), trans. Süleyman Uludağ (Istanbul: Dergah Publications, 1979)
3.	Abu Talib al-Makki, Kutu'l-Kulub (The Provision of the Hearts), trans. Muharrem Tan (Istanbul: Umran Publications, 1999)
4.	Sülemî, el-Fark beyne ilmi’ş-şerîa ve’l-hakîka (A Work on the Science of the Apparent and the Esoteric, al-Fark Bayna İlmi’ş-Şaria wa’l-Hakika), trans. Süleyman Ateş, Ankara University Faculty of Theology Journal, 1968, 16/219-231.

Weekly Detailed Course Contents

Week 1 - Theoretical

Abu Nasr al-Sarraj and his work named al-Luma and other Sufi works written in the same period and their authors: Kalabazi al-Taarruf, Abu Talib al-Makki al-Kulub, Sulami al-Farq beyne ilmi’sh-shariah wa’l-hakiqa

Week 1 - Preparation Work

Source Research Related to the Subject of the Course: Works to be Discussed in the Course and Theses, Articles, etc. Written on These Works

Week 2 - Theoretical

Introduction to the Work

Week 2 - Preparation Work

Preliminary Preparation for the Subject to be Covered in the Course: Reading

Week 3 - Theoretical

The Definition of Sufism and Its Place Among Other Islamic Sciences, The Origin of the Word Sufi, Some Definitions of Sufism and the Subject of the Science of the Bâtın

Week 3 - Preparation Work