An Introduction to Islam and to Islamic Philosophy

Religion has played a highly important part in the lives of human beings. This weekend school is an introduction to the foundations of one of the great religions of the world, Islam. It is also an introduction to some of its medieval philosophy and theology.

On its first day, it considers Islam’s origins and early developments, its key text and beliefs and some of its key practices, and its ethics and duties.
On its second and final day, it considers its main mystical element, Sufism, and some of the key elements in the thought of two of the most important figures in its medieval period, al Kindi and al Ghazali.

Tutor: Dr Karim Esmail
ICE, Cambridge University