<p>What connects Sufism, Shi’ism, and Mysticism—and what sets them apart? In this episode of 'The AMI Podcast,' Dr Zoheir Esmail is joined by Dr Seyed Amir Hossein Asghari, a Research Associate at Baylor University, to delve into the similarities and ongoing controversies within these areas of Islamic thought. Together, they explore the historical debates be ... Show More
Jan 26
A People's History of Islam: Tales of Mystics, Pilgrims and the Ordinary by Dr Hassan Abbas
Who writes Islamic history — empires and rulers, or ordinary believers?In this research seminar hosted by AMI on 14 January 2026, Dr Hassan Abbas presents insights from his forthcoming book project, A People’s History of Islam. Challenging state-centred and court-sponsored histor ... Show More
40m 35s
Jan 15
Why Are Shi‘as Still Mourning? Death, Muharram & Senses with Dr Babak Rahimi | Thinking Islam Ep. 11
Can mourning become a pathway to the divine? Has the modern world sanitised death, and does Muharram insist we don’t look away?Drawing from his forthcoming book Senses of Mourning, Dr Babak Rahimi of UC San Diego asks a question many have wondered, but few have explored: why do S ... Show More
1h 41m
Dec 31
Digital Spiritualism: A New Meaning to Religious Secularism in India by Dr Zairu Nisha
Dr Nisha explores how digital technologies are reshaping religious life in contemporary India. Challenging the strict divide between the secular and the religious, she argues that digital media has given rise to new hybrid forms of belief, practice, and spiritual experience.
17m 48s
Oct 2024
#062: Murāqaba: The Art of Islamic Meditation w/ Adeyinka Mendes
In this episode, we discuss the Islamic meditation practice of Murāqaba with our long-time friend and teacher Adeyinka Mendes.
Path & Present is a long form conversation hosted by poet, emcee, and teaching-artist Baraka Blue with friends and guests including artists, musicians, a ... Show More
1h 15m
Jun 2019
#042: Jesus in Sufism: Ibn 'Arabi, Creativity & the Christic Archetype w/ Ali Hussain
Dr. Ali Hussain obtained his doctoral degree in Islamic Studies from the University of Michigan, Department of Middle Eastern Studies. His research focuses on the image of Jesus Christ in the writings of Sufi mystics, specifically Muhyi al-Din Ibn al-'Arabi (d. 1240).
He is also ... Show More
1h 41m
Sep 2025
139: Allah, The Spirit World, Dreams & A Prophet Built The Pyramids w. Dr. Ali Hussain
What did Ibn Al-Arabi mean by Oneness of Being? How should we interpret our dreams? Did Prophet Idris (peace be upon him) order the building of the pyramids? Dr. Ali Hussain, resident scholar at the Cave Labs: History and Metaphysics of Sound and Music and founder of Adhwaq Cente ... Show More
1h 44m
Jan 2018
Al Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah
In our last episode of the season we wrap up the intellectual history of Islam by examining how the orthodoxies that we discussed in the previous episode were popularized. We talk about the emerging class of legal scholars called the ulema, the madhabs of Hanafi, Maliki, Shaif, a ... Show More
51m 27s
Jan 2024
Divided Loyalties: Exploring Shia Disunity
In this illuminating podcast episode featuring Sayed Jawad Qazwini, we embark on a journey through Islamic history, examining the seventh year of the Islamic calendar, marked by the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Explore pivotal moments, including divine revelations emphasizing defensive ... Show More
1h 18m
Jul 2025
Ep. 38 -The Mystical Teachings of Ibn ‘Arabi
Omid Safi discusses Sufi teachings from one of the greatest muslim mystics, an Andalusian sage named Ibn ‘Arabi."When Ibn 'Arabi comes, he sits with all of himself. When he's listening, he listens with all of himself. When it's time to go, he gets up with all of himself. All of h ... Show More
55m 46s
Sep 2024
Returning from Death (Ft Sayed Abdullah Al-Nakeeb)
<p>In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Sayed Abdullah al Nakeeb, a close friend of the podcast, as we explore the complex concept of "The Raj'ah" in Shiism. This belief, which involves resurrecting or returning to life after death to fight against, or join along ... Show More
1h 11m