Nāṣir-i Khusraw quotes or alludes to Qur’anic verses mentioning specific Divine Names and Attributes and reinterprets them as references to the Universal Intellect and Universal Soul as opposed to God. In this manner, Nāṣir effectively frames the Universal Intellect as “the knowing” (al-‘ālim), “the living” (al-hayy), “the powerful” (al-qādir), “the exalted” (al-‘alī), and “the eternal” (al-azalī) while describing the Universal Soul as “the creator” (al-khāliq), “the maker” (al-ṣāni‘), “the speaker” (al-mutakallim), “the lord” (al-rabb) and “the sublime” (al-‘aẓīm).

Reconciling Apophatic and Kataphatic Theology: The Neoplatonic Qur’anic Exegesis of Nāṣir-i Khusraw by Andani, Khalil

Abstract:

This paper examines the development of Ismā‘īlī theology and Neoplatonic cosmology in the thought of Nāṣir-i Khusraw (d. 1088) – an eleventh century Fatimid Ismā‘īlī philosopher and poet. Nāṣir adheres to an apophatic theology which denies all names and attributes from God and posits a Neoplatonic hierarchy of Universal Intellect and Universal Soul between God and the Cosmos. However, numerous verses of the Qur’an describe God in positive or kataphatic language – which other Islamic thinkers understood as references to God’s Attributes (e.g. life, knowledge, speech, power, etc.). This paper, drawing upon four of Nāṣir-i Khusraw’s philosophical works – the “Face of Religion” (wajh-i dīn), “The Feast of the Brethren” (khvān al-ikhvān), “The Reconciliation of the Two Wisdoms” (jāmi‘ al-ḥikmatayn), and “The Six Chapters” (shish faṣl), analyzes how Nasir-i Khusraw reconciles his Ismā‘īlī apophatic theology with the kataphatic language found in the Qur’an. Nāṣir achieves this reconciliation through a two-stage Qur’anic exegesis (ta’wīl) of the kataphatic Qur’an verses that heavily relies upon his Neoplatonic cosmology of the Universal Intellect and Universal Soul. In the first stage, Nāṣir quotes or alludes to Qur’anic verses mentioning specific Divine Names and Attributes and reinterprets them as references to the Universal Intellect and Universal Soul as opposed to God. In this manner, Nāṣir effectively frames the Universal Intellect as “the knowing” (al-‘ālim), “the living” (al-hayy), “the powerful” (al-qādir), “the exalted” (al-‘alī), and “the eternal” (al-azalī) while describing the Universal Soul as “the creator” (al-khāliq), “the maker” (al-ṣāni‘), “the speaker” (al-mutakallim), “the lord” (al-rabb) and “the sublime” (al-‘aẓīm). Nāṣir’s assignment of these attributes to the Intellect and Soul amounts to a Neoplatonic inspired exegesis of the Qur’ān. In the second stage, having reassigned the Divine Names to the Neoplatonic Intellect and Soul, Nāṣir argues that such attributes may be ascribed to God indirectly – in the sense that God is the Originator (al-mubdi‘) of the Intellect and Soul while not being the direct object of the Divine Names. In this way, Nāṣir indirectly allows God be to associated with attributes, while simultaneously, maintaining His transcendence (tanzīh). This exegesis allows Nāṣir to integrate his rigorous apophatic theology with the kataphatic statements found in the Qur’ān. This study has implications for the history of Islamic thought since Nāṣir-i Khusraw’s position prefigures later Islamic thinkers like Ibn al-‘Arabī and his interpreters who equally maintained a metaphysical distinction between the Divine Essence and the Level (martabah) of the Divine Names.

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy and articles in Sacred Web, and The Matheson Trust. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics in Islamic philosophy, theology and mysticism at Harvard University (SCT 2013, HDS 2014), University of Toronto (Shia Ismaili Islam, Christology Symposium, NMCGSA 2013, NMCGSA 2014), University of Chicago (MEHAT 2013, MEHAT 2014), Carleton University, the American Academy of Religion (Midwest AAR 2014, NEMAAR 2014), the Middle East Studies Association 2013 and 2014

More on Khalil Andani from Ismailimail Archives:

• The Esoteric Symbolism of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat
• Article – The Concept of Succession in the Shi’a Isma’ili Imamate
• The Delegation Decoded – An Esoteric Exegesis of the Delegation of the Isma‘ili Imamat, by Khalil Andani
• The Delegation Decoded: An Esoteric Exegesis of the Delegation of the Isma‘ili Imamat – Overview
• The Delegation Decoded – Introduction: The World of Faith
• The Delegation Decoded – Jali Screen and Atrium: Exoteric and the Esoteric
• The Delegation Decoded – Upper Glass Dome: The Lords of Inspiration
• The Delegation Decoded – Inner Glass Fibre Canopy: The Masters of Instruction
• The Delegation Decoded – Jali Screen Sections: The Summoners of Knowledge
• The Delegation Decoded – The Atrium Floor: The Seven Repeated Ones
• The Delegation Decoded – Char-Bagh Garden: The Rivers of Paradise
• The Delegation Decoded – Conclusion: Searching Below the Surface
• Sacred Web Journals – Article by Khalil Andani: The Metaphysics of the Common Word: A Dialogue of Eckhartian and Isma’ili Gnosis
• The Metaphysics of the Common Word: A Dialogue of Eckhartian and Isma’ili Gnosis Part Two: Intellectual and Emanative Reality, by Khalil Andani
• Article – The Concept of Succession in the Shi’a Isma’ili Imamate
• Articles for Lailat al-Qadr at Simerg.com
• Article: Seeking the Forgiveness of the Imam of the Time – by Khalil Andani
• Video: University Student Lecture on Shi’a Isma’ili Islam by Khalil Andani
• Article: “The Common Word”: Reflections on Muslim-Christian Dialogue – By Khalil Andani
• Video Lecture and Articles on Shi’a Isma’ili Islam by Khalil Andani
• Video: Isma‘ili Muslim perpsectives on Jesus presented by Khalil Andani at the Christology Symposium
• “Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus” and “Shia Isma‘ili Islam” – Two Absorbing Presentations by Khalil Andani
• Video: Presentation on the Isma‘ili Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw by Khalil Andani
• Visions of Jesus in Esoteric Islam: Shi‘i Isma‘ili Christology: A Student Presentation and Discussion Forum at Harvard Divinity School
• Attend Khalil Andani’s Presentation at University of Toronto: The Concept of Knowledge (‘ilm) according to Nasir-i Khusraw
• “Isma’ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus”
• Video: The Concept of Knowledge (‘ilm) in Nasir-i Khusraw’s Philosophy, by Khalil Andani
• Isma’ili Muslim Thought on Knowledge (‘ilm)
• Understanding Isma’ilism
• Ismailis: An Understudied Minority | A Little View of the World
• Article: Light Upon Light
• Article: The Great Resurrection
• IIS Scholars and Khalil Andani present papers on Isma’ili history/thought at 2013 MESA Annual Meeting
• Book Review by Khalil Andani: Pearls of Persia: The Philosophical Poetry of Nāṣir-i Khusraw
• University Student Lecture on Ismailism
• Harvard Presentation by Khalil Andani on the “Shi’i Isma’ili Muslims: An Esoteric Tradition in Islam”
• Khalil Andani’s Presentation on the concept of Tawhid in the Isma’ili & Sufi Thought, at the University of Toronto
• “Imam’s work is guided by one of the foundational ethical principles of Islam: the unity of humankind”
• Khalil Andani’s Presentation on the Delegation of Ismaili Imamat: Esoteric Thought in Physical Form
• Video: Ismaili Interpretations of Jesus, the Crucifixion and the Cross by Khalil Andani
• The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam
• Muslim-Christian Dialogue on Jesus featuring Sunni, Ismaili, Catholic and Protestant Interpretations
• Event – Monorealism: The Theology of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III by Khalil Andani
• Khalil Andani’s Upcoming Presentation in Chicago: The Theology of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III
• Scholars from IIS, Harvard, and Indiana host panels on Ismaili History and Philosophy at MESA 2014
• CBC Radio Interviews Khalil Andani (Harvard) about the Aga Khan Museum
• Khalil Andani’s Presentation in Chicago: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw
• The Neoplatonic Qur’anic Exegesis of Nāṣir-i Khusraw – Khalil Andani’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC

About MESA:

The Middle East Studies Association (MESA) is a private, non-profit, non-political learned society that brings together scholars, educators and those interested in the study of the region from all over the world. MESA’s 48th annual meeting will be held in Washington, DC at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.

Related Event:

Event – November 22-25 | Washington DC: 2014 Annual Middle East Studies Association (MESA) Meeting with Ismaili Scholars

All related MESA 2014, from Ismailimail Archives:

• The Neoplatonic Qur’anic Exegesis of Nāṣir-i Khusraw – Khalil Andani’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC
• Echoes of the Gnostics: Incorporation of Mythic Cosmology into Ismāʿīlī Thought – Paul Anderson’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC
• Rethinking the Kalām-i pīr and Its Role in the Central Asian Ismāʿīlī Tradition – Daniel Beben’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC
• The Conversions of Hasan-i Sabbah – Shiraz Hajiani’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC
• Realpolitik & Sectarian strife: A re-appraisal of Fatimid rule in Syria – Shainool Jiwa’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference, Washington, DC
• Esoteric Explorations of the Sharī‘a, the path to the Divine: A Fatimid Exposition – Nadia Eboo-Jamal’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference, Washington, DC
• A Newly Discovered Treatise from the Earliest Fatimid Period – Professor Paul E. Walker’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference, Washington, DC
• Event – November 22-25 | Washington DC: 2014 Annual Middle East Studies Association (MESA) Meeting with Ismaili Scholars
• Scholars from IIS, Harvard, and Indiana host panels on Ismaili History and Philosophy at MESA 2014

Earlier, Ismaili Studies, from Ismailimail Archives:

• Reporting from Ismaili Studies Conference – University of Chicago
• Event – October 18 | University of Chicago – Logan Center for the Arts: Ismaili Studies Conference – Public Music Engagement – Silk Road Rising
• Event – October 18 | University of Chicago: Islamicate Studies Symposium
• Event – October 18 | University of Chicago: Ismaili Studies Conference and Islamicate Studies Symposium – Teaching Islam
• Event – October 16-17 | University of Chicago: Ismaili Studies Conference
• Khalil Andani’s Presentation in Chicago: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw
• Event – October 16-17 | Chicago: First Ever “Ismaili Studies Conference” at University of Chicago

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Women & Leadership | Canada’s 19th Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Kim Campbell speaks at the Ismaili Centre, Burnaby	Women & Leadership | Nurjehan Mawani, Diplomatic Representative of His Highness the Aga Khan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan	Women & Leadership: Discovering the Aga Khan Museum: In conversation with Pakistan’s Genius Artist – Aisha Khalid	Women & Leadership | Retrospection & Commendation | All of Pakistan is proud of Samina Baig
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Anisha Mawji: Music undergrad leaves no notes unplayed	Galib Kara, Director, Rose Charities Canada	Munira Lila elected Vice President for University College Literary and Athletic Society (UCLit)	Citizenship Month 2014: Message from Aftab Ghesani, President Ismaili Council, Southwestern United States
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Qasida ‘Dam Hama Dam Ali Ali’ by Shahid A. Qalandar	Ginan: Uncha Re – Soul’s yearning for the Vision/Deedar	Dr Daryoush Mohammad Poor Delivers Papers at International Conferences	Publication: Hazrat Mawlana Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah – A Bridge Between Two Epochs

By Morgan Bromhead, United Kingdom – Have you ever heard of the Ismaili’s? If so, do you understand their place within Islam? If your answer is yes to each of these questions you can be considered within the minority in the West. A fact which I consider mind boggling, especially when coupled with the knowledge that they constitute the second largest Shi’a community, after the Twelvers, in the Islamic world. Although this figure translates to under 10% of the world’s Shi’ite population, that still constitutes over 15 million people. Although not having had political leadership of a state since the 13th century they can be found within 20 countries across the globe and continue to have political and religious significance. The reason for their anonymity may have been understood if they remained confined to one area, however, they can be seen across the modern world as substantial and integral communities within over twenty countries.

via Ismailis: An Understudied Minority | A Little View of the World.

“I think that monotheistic religions, having a common reference to a single God, should and must dialogue. The three religions which Abraham inspired have many more common facets than those which divide them. Religion must be the means by which to affirm the ethical significance of existence, regardless of one’s profession of faith.”

- Imām Shāh Karīm al-Ḥusaynī Āgā Khān IV, (Interview with Correre della Sera, Massimo Nava, October 22, 2001)

Video: Muslim-Christian Dialogue on Jesus featuring Sunni, Ismaili, Catholic and Protestant Interpretations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Hy1j7-zCE

A lecture on Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus – The Crucifixion in Shi‘a Isma‘ili Islam

A lecture on Isma‘ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2Hy1j7-zCE

http://ismailignosis.com/category/comparative-religion/

Related from the Ismailimail Archives:

CBC Radio Interviews Khalil Andani (Harvard) about the Aga Khan Museum

“Imam’s work is guided by one of the foundational ethical principles of Islam: the unity of humankind”

University Student Lecture on Ismailism

Book Review by Khalil Andani: Pearls of Persia: The Philosophical Poetry of Nāṣir-i Khusraw

IsmailiGnosis.com: Khushali Readings – Validating and Understanding the Ismaili Imamat

Ismaili Gnosis | A Timeline of Major Divisions and Developments in Shi’a Islam

Reflection: Ismaili Gnosis | Mawlana Imam Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III on My Flag

Who Succeeded Imam Jafar al-Sadiq? Seven Proofs for the Imamat of Imam Ismail ibn Jafar

Toronto Ismaili Student Association (ISA) is invited/encouraged to attend Khalil Andani’s Presentation on Ismaili Philosophy at the University of Toronto. This event is open to public.

Abstract:

The life, career, and thought of Abū Ḥamīd al-Ghazālī (1058-1111) have continued to captivate scholars of Islamic thought for the last several decades. Being well versed in Ash‘arite kalām, falsafa, and Sufism, al-Ghazālī is often credited with formulating a unique synthesis of these divergent streams of Islamic theology and philosophy. At the same time, al-Ghazālī is remembered for his infamous refutations of the Philosophers and the Ismā‘īlīs in texts whose publication shortly preceded al-Ghazālī’s own spiritual crisis in the last decade of the eleventh century.

This paper revisits the pivotal question of the Ismā‘īlī influence upon the cosmology of al-Ghazālī and argues that al-Ghazālī did appropriate certain features of the Ismā‘īlī cosmology present in the Persian Ismaili thought of Abū Ya‘qūb al-Sijistānī (d. after 971) and Nāṣir-i Khusraw (d. 1004-1088). The paper first attempts to ascertain one of the Ismā‘īlī sources to which al-Ghazālī had access by examining some of the Ismā‘īlī doctrinal material presented in his Faḍā’iḥ al-Bāṭiniyya and tracing this material back to eleventh-century Ismā‘īlī treatises. This analysis concludes that the Wajh-i Dīn of Nāṣir-i Khusraw was a probable source for al-Ghazālī’s knowledge of Ismā‘īlī doctrines. Secondly, the paper demonstrates the great commonality between al-Ghazālī’s “two-worlds” cosmology of spiritual-physical correspondence (muwāzana) laid out in his Mishkāt al-Anwār and Nāṣir-i Khusraw’s two-world Ismā‘īlī cosmology which is equally based on correspondence. Finally, the paper re-examines al-Ghazālī’s higher cosmology in the “Veils” section of the Mishkāt where he explains how the true God transcends both the “Lunar Angel” (whom the Aristotelians worship as the First Mover) and the “Solar Angel” (the Obeyed One, whom the falāsifa worship as the Necessary Existent). This section critically appraises the prior conclusions of Hermann Landolt (1991) and Frank Griffel (2010) on the “Veils” passages and argues that al-Ghazālī derived his theological interpretations on the God of the falāsifa and the Aristotelians as well as his polemical strategy of evoking Sun and Moon worship from Nāṣir-i Khusraw’s Ismā‘īlī cosmology and the Wajh-i Dīn in particular.

The paper concludes that al-Ghazālī most likely appropriated Ismā‘īlī cosmological ideas and polemical tactics from Nāṣir-i Khusraw and re-presented them in his Niche of Lights. Even if this conclusion is not certain, the results of this study call for a reassessment of the degree of Ismā‘īlī influences on the thought of al-Ghazālī.

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy and articles in Sacred Web, and The Matheson Trust. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics in Islamic philosophy, theology and mysticism at Harvard University (SCT 2013, HDS 2014), University of Toronto (Shia Ismaili Islam, Christology Symposium, NMCGSA 2013, NMCGSA 2014), University of Chicago (MEHAT 2013, MEHAT 2014), Carleton University, the American Academy of Religion (Midwest AAR 2014, NEMAAR 2014), the Middle East Studies Association 2013 and 2014

DATE: Thursday, February 26, 2015
TIME: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
VENUE: Upper Level Dining Room. The Faculty Club, 41 Wilcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1C7
Conference schedule and website: http://nmc.utoronto.ca/nmcgsa/symposium/

EVENT: Khalil Andani: Shared Theologies between Islam and Christianity
DATE: March 21, 2015
TIME: 2:45 – 4:30 PM
VENUE: Nemaar Annual Conference STM 332 3rd Floor Large Conference Room, Boston College School of Theology, 9 Lake Street, Brighton MA 02467

Facebook Invitation: https://www.facebook.com/events/1609818429252277/

‘God beyond God’ across Muslim and Christian Theology
Khalil Andani (Harvard, Khalil_andani@mail.harvard.edu)

The Islamic metaphysics of Abu Yaqub al-Sijistani and the Christian systematic theology of Paul Tillich employ similar if not identical arguments in establishing the theological position that God transcends the domains of essence-existence and causation. Sijistani and Tillich each resort to special method of discourse to make adequate statements about God. Both thinkers seek to establish a concept of “God beyond God” in relation to the theological views prevalent in their respective intellectual contexts.

“A Universal Capacity to Hope: The Negative Contrast Experience as a Starting Point for Christian-Muslim Dialogue”
Kate Mroz (Boston College, mrozka@bc.edu)

There has been much focus on Karl Rahner’s anonymous Christian as a Catholic resource for interfaith dialogue. I propose that an often neglected, but less theologically problematic resource, can be found in Edward Schillebeeckx’s notion of the negative contrast experience as a universal phenomenon. Putting Schillebeeckx in dialogue with Muslim thinkers, Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Amina Wadud, I intend to demonstrate how the negative contrast experience can heal tensions between Islam and Christianity by demonstrating the inherent capacity in all human beings to protest injustice and envision a better world through the use of a vibrant religious imagination.

—

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy and articles in Sacred Web, and The Matheson Trust. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics in Islamic philosophy, theology and mysticism at Harvard University (SCT 2013, HDS 2014), University of Toronto (Shia Ismaili Islam, Christology Symposium, NMCGSA 2013, NMCGSA 2014), University of Chicago (MEHAT 2013, MEHAT 2014), Carleton University, the American Academy of Religion (Midwest AAR 2014, NEMAAR 2014), the Middle East Studies Association 2013 and 2014

Related:

Event: March 21 | Boston College School of Theology | Khalil Andani: Shared Theologies between Islam and Christianity

Event – February 26 | University of Toronto – Ismaili Influence on al-Ghazali: Khalil Andani’s Presentation

Ismaili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus AS by Khalil Andani

The Neoplatonic Qur’anic Exegesis of Nāṣir-i Khusraw – Khalil Andani’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC

Alwaleed Islamic Studies Program – Graduate Student Workshop

This event is only open to Harvard students and faculty. To attend, contact: khalil_andani@mail.harvard.edu

EVENT: Khalil Andani: “From Divine Word to Prophetic Word: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw” (Graduate Student Workshop)
DATE: Wednesday, April 01 2015
TIME: 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm
VENUE: 1730 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA, 02138

Join Facebook Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/762347040553256/
via http://www.islamicstudies.harvard.edu.

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy and articles in Sacred Web, and The Matheson Trust. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics in Islamic philosophy, theology and mysticism at Harvard University (SCT 2013, HDS 2014), University of Toronto (Shia Ismaili Islam, Christology Symposium, NMCGSA 2013, NMCGSA 2014), University of Chicago (MEHAT 2013, MEHAT 2014), Carleton University, the American Academy of Religion (Midwest AAR 2014, NEMAAR 2014), the Middle East Studies Association 2013 and 2014

Earlier:

• Good Friday & Passover: “Isma’ili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus” by Khalil Andani
• Event – April 1 | Islamic Studies at Harvard University: Khalil Andani’s Presentation: “From Divine Word to Prophetic Word: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw”
• Event: March 21 | Boston College School of Theology | Khalil Andani: Shared Theologies between Islam and Christianity
• Event – February 26 | University of Toronto – Ismaili Influence on al-Ghazali: Khalil Andani’s Presentation
• Ismaili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus AS by Khalil Andani
• The Neoplatonic Qur’anic Exegesis of Nāṣir-i Khusraw – Khalil Andani’s Presentation at MESA 2014 Conference in Washington, DC
• Khalil Andani’s Presentation in Chicago: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw

One of the schools of Islamic thought and philosophy which actually affirms the the Crucifixion of Jesus and glorifies it, is the tradition of Shī‘ī Ismā‘īlī Islam. The Ismā‘īlī Muslim philosophers of the tenth and eleventh centuries were able to achieve a remarkable reconciliation and rapprochement between the Qur’ānic and Christian views of the Crucifixion.

via http://ismailignosis.com/2013/03/29/the-crucifixion-in-shia-ismaili-islam/

Jesus, Christians and Christianity in the Thought of the Ikhwān al-Ṣafāʾ	Vancouver Talmud Torah students learn about Ismaili holiday (His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan’s birthday)	Muslim-Christian Dialogue on Jesus featuring Sunni, Ismaili, Catholic and Protestant Interpretations	By Diana Steigerwald: The Tolerance of the Fatimids toward “The People of the Book” (Ahl Al-Kitab)
Professor Ali Asani writes for Harvard Crimson: Learning From Difference	Living Our Faith Through Stories: Ismaili Jamatkhana of Victoria participates in an Interfaith Storytelling Book Project	Nenshi, Canada’s first big-city Muslim mayor, is the honorary chametz purchaser during Passover	50 years of positive religious influence

On February 21, 2014, Khalil Andani (Doctor of Philosophy of Candidate in Islamic Studies, Harvard University) delivered a lecture called “Shi’i Isma’ili Muslims: An Esoteric Tradition in Islam” as part of the Harvard Divinity School Muslim Council Speaker Series called “Diversity in Islam: Communities of Interpretation.” The lecture took place at the Center for the Study of World Religions at Harvard Divinity School and was followed by an open Q&A forum included in the video.

The lecture consists of the following topics:

1. Introduction
2. The Shi’i Imamat: Rational and Qur’anic Basis
3. The Ismaili Imamat through History
4. The Spiritual Functions of the Ismaili Imam
5. Ismaili Philosophy and Doctrine: Zahir and Batin, Tawhid, the Light of Imamat, Faith and Intellect
6. Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III: Life and Thought
7. Imam Shah Karim al-Husayni Aga Khan IV: Present Imam of the Ismaili Muslims

The open Q&A included the following topics:

1) Can you speak about Ismaili Muslim rituals?
2) What is the Ismaili approach to politics?
3) What is a Farman and what circumstances lead to the Imam making a Farman?
4) What is the Ismaili practice of zakat?

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (MTS 2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy, a Review Article, two articles on Ismaili Philosophy in Sacred Web, and an article on Ismaili views of the Crucifixion of Jesus in The Matheson Trust. He was recently interviewed on CBC Radio about the the Aga Khan Museum.

He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and has completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics pertaining to Islamic thought and Ismaili philosophy:

Harvard University:

2012 – Guest Lecture – “Reconciling Revelation and Philosophy in Ismaili Thought”
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2012/11/26/video-presentation-on-the-ismaili-thought-of-nasir-i-khusraw-by-khalil-andani-2/

2013 – Visions of Jesus in Esoteric Islam: Shi‘i Isma‘ili Christology
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2013/02/27/visions-of-jesus-in-esoteric-islam-shii-ismaili-christology-a-student-presentation-and-discussion-forum-at-harvard-divinity-school/

2014 – “Shi’i Isma’ili Muslims: An Esoteric Tradition in Islam”
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/harvard-presentation-by-khalil-andani-on-the-shii-ismaili-muslims-an-esoteric-tradition-in-islam/

2015 – “From Divine Word to Prophetic Word: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw”
http://www.islamicstudies.harvard.edu/event/arabic-and-islamic-studies-graduate-student-workshop-4/

University of Toronto:

2011 – Introductory Lecture on the Shia Ismaili Muslims
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/video-university-of-toronto-student-lecture-on-shia-ismaili-islam-by-khalil-andani/

2012 – The Christology Symposium – Ismaili Muslim Perspectives on Jesus
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2012/04/06/video-ismaili-muslim-perpsectives-on-jesus-presented-by-khalil-andani-at-the-christology-symposium/

2013 – The Concept of Knowledge (‘ilm) in Nasir-i Khusraw’s Philosophy
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/video-the-concept-of-knowledge-ilm-in-nasir-i-khusraws-philosophy-by-khalil-andani/

2014 – The Metaphysics of Tawhīd: Ismā‘īlī and Akbarī Perspectives
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/khalil-andanis-presentation-on-the-concept-of-tawhid-in-the-ismaili-sufi-thought-at-the-university-of-toronto/

2015 – The Ismaili Influence on Al-Ghazali: A Reassessment
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/event-february-26-university-of-toronto-ismaili-influence-on-al-ghazali-khalil-andanis-presentation/

University of Chicago:

2013 – The Qur’an: Word of God or Word of Muhammad: Prophetic Revelation in the thought of Abdulkarim Soroush and Nasir-i Khusraw
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2013/04/26/shiraz-hajiani-khalil-andani-and-shatha-almutawa-to-present-at-university-of-chicagos-mehat-conference/

2014 – Monorealism: The Theology of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/khalil-andanis-upcoming-presentation-in-chicago-the-theology-of-sir-sultan-muhammad-shah-aga-khan-iii/

2014 – From Divine Word to Prophetic Word: Revelation in the Thought of Nasir-i Khusraw
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/khalil-andanis-presentation-in-chicago-revelation-in-the-thought-of-nasir-i-khusraw/

American Academy of Religion:

2014 – Delegation of Ismaili Imamat: Esoteric Thought in Physical Form
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/04/04/khalil-andanis-presentation-on-the-delegation-of-ismaili-imamat-esoteric-thought-in-physical-form/

2014 – Monorealism: The Theology of Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/event-monorealism-the-theology-of-sir-sultan-muhammad-shah-aga-khan-iii-by-khalil-andani/

2015 – ‘God beyond God’ across Muslim and Christian Theology
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/event-march-21-boston-college-school-of-theology-khalil-andani-shared-theologies-between-islam-and-christianity/

Middle East Studies Association:

2013 – The Qur’an: Word of God or Word of Muhammad: Prophetic Revelation in the thought of Abdulkarim Soroush and Nasir-i Khusraw
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/iis-scholars-and-khalil-andani-present-papers-on-ismaili-historythought-at-2013-mesa-annual-meeting/

2014 – Reconciling Apophatic and Kataphatic Theology: The Neoplatonic Qur’anic Exegesis of Nāṣir-i Khusraw
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2014/11/21/the-neoplatonic-quranic-exegesis-of-naṣir-i-khusraw-khalil-andanis-presentation-at-mesa-2014-conference-in-washington-dc/

“To know the Imam of the Time and to recognize him through his disguise…is the great concern and preoccupation which mobilizes all the spiritual energies of a devout Ismaili.”
– Henry Corbin

The first Ismaili Gnosis Retreat will take place in Chicago, IL from August 28-30 with two full days of programming and is open to Ismaili Muslims of all ages. There are currently 50 people registered for the IG Retreat and an additional 15 spots have been made available for those who sign up before August 7. Registration must be done online: http://bit.ly/1zxo1Di

The theme of the IG Retreat is “The Recognition (ma’rifah) of the Imam” and the programme features several interactive presentations, discussions, and workshops. The IG Retreat will present a holistic understanding of Imamat through interactive presentations, artistic expressions, and outdoor activities while fostering the development of personal intellectual search.

Conference Convener: Sabrina Lakhani
Presenters: Khalil Andani, Mohib Ebrahim, Professor Ali Asani, Zamir Dhanji

Ismaili Gnosis Retreat Summary Program:

Friday, August 28:
– Welcome Dinner
– Video Presentation: Aga Khan – The Living Camera

Saturday, August 29:
– Opening Remarks: What is Ismaili Gnosis?
– Presentation: Rational and Qur’anic Validation of the Imamat
– Workshop: The Public Guidance of the Imamat in Speeches and Interviews (Nano Wisdoms)
– Presentation: Theologies of the Imamat
– Presentation: The Imamat in the Ginans
– Artistic and Poetic Expressions

Sunday, August 30:
– Presentation: Eternal Imam – The Metaphysics of Imamat
– Presentation & Activity: Spirit and Life – Recognizing the Imam through Practical Spirituality
– Workshop: Addressing Frequently Asked Questions
– Discussion: Recognizing the Imam through Rituals
– Video Presentation: Mawlana Hazar Imam’s Visit to Central Asia

Monday, August 31:
– Breakfast
– Departure

The IG Retreat Registration Fee is $120 per person which includes 3 Dinners and 2 Lunches. Breakfast for 3 mornings and WIFI are included in the Hotel Room Booking (see http://bit.ly/1zxo1Di for costs). Participants are responsible for booking their own hotel arrangements online and can obtain a special discount rate of $110/night with the information here (http://bit.ly/1zxo1Di). Note that if you book without the code, you will not be eligible for the included breakfast or WIFI. Beginning on Tuesday, May 12, you can book hotel rooms using the IG Retreat code.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Professor Ali Asani

Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures – Director of the Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Islamic Studies Program

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Ali S. Asani is currently Professor of Indo-Muslim and Islamic Religion and Cultures at Harvard University. After completing his high school education in Kenya, he attended Harvard College, with a concentration in the Comparative Study of Religion, graduating summa cum laude in 1977. He continued his graduate work at Harvard in the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, receiving his Ph.D. in 1984. Prof. Asani holds a joint appointment between the Study of Religion and NELC, where he is currently the chair. He also serves on the faculty of the Dept. of Sanskrit and Indian Studies. He has served on the Committee on the Study of Religion since 1992 and has taught at Harvard since 1983, offering instruction in a variety of languages such as Urdu/Hindi, Sindhi, Gujarati and Swahili as well as courses on various aspects of the Islamic tradition. More.

Khalil Andani

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy and articles in Sacred Web, and The Matheson Trust. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics in Islamic philosophy, theology and mysticism at Harvard University (SCT 2013, HDS 2014), University of Toronto (Shia Ismaili Islam, Christology Symposium, NMCGSA 2013, NMCGSA 2014), University of Chicago (MEHAT 2013, MEHAT 2014), Carleton University, the American Academy of Religion (Midwest AAR 2014, NEMAAR 2014), the Middle East Studies Association 2013 and 2014.

Mohib Ebrahim

Mohib Ebrahim is the Editor and Publisher of the NanoWisdoms Archive of Imamat speeches, interviews and writings (http://www.nanowisdoms.org). The Archive is the only website dedicated solely to the Ismaili Imamat’s knowledge and was launched in 2011 after it was granted special permission to republish His Highness the Aga Khan’s speeches. At present the Archive contains some 500 readings as well as their own summary documents which provide abridged overviews of the Aga Khan’s wisdom and knowledge.

An honours graduate of Simon Fraser University in Computer Science and Mathematics, Mohib has been involved in software development and the IT industry since the ’80s. His current project, MasterFile, is a state-of-the-art evidence system for academic researchers, investigators, and litigators.

Zamir Dhanji

Zamir Dhanji is a dharma artist who works with music, poetry, storytelling and scholarship. He graduated with a BA concentration in Spiritual Economics from New York University in 2006, his thesis, titled “Holism and human evolution”, explored the relationship between holistic thinking and our views on nature and evolution.

Sabrina Lakhani

Sabrina Lakhani, the retreat convener, strives to weave together content and connection in all areas of life. She is currently the Director of Client Services at Disruptyx, LLC, a marketing consulting firm that focuses on heuristics-based market research and brand messaging. She holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Management from Babson College and her interests include systematics, systems thinking, and brand creation. Her personal website is: http://www.sabrinalakhani.com.

On November 14, Khalil Andani (PhD Candidate, Harvard University) will present his research paper, “From Divine Diversity to the Single Soul: The Aga Khan’s Vision of Pluralism”, at Boston University’s Conference on Religious Diversity.

Khalil’s presentation takes place two days after Mawlana Hazar Imam is scheduled to deliver the Jodidi Lecture at Harvard University. The full conference schedule is available here and Khalil’s presentation will be in Room 325 1:30 PM: www.eventbrite.com/e/conference-on-religious-diversity-conflict-cooperation-and-creolization-tickets-17360031321

From Divine Diversity to the Single Soul: The Aga Khan’s Vision of Pluralism (Abstract)

While recent media coverage portrays Islam as a faith in crisis, the pioneering efforts of modern Muslim leaders such as His Highness the Aga Khan, the forty-ninth hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, tend to escape public attention. Nevertheless, various academic institutions, states and international organizations recognize the Aga Khan as a champion of pluralism and cosmopolitan ethics: he is the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network and has received 21 honorary degrees, 16 civic honours, and has delivered over 70 high profile keynote addresses including a recent address to the Parliament of Canada. This study examines how the Aga Khan’s vision of pluralism and cosmopolitan ethics are rooted in his interpretation of Islam. The Imam’s conception of pluralism is predicated upon the inseparability of Faith (din) and World (dunya), a theology of “monorealism” that emphasizes the absolute transcendence of God and His continuous manifestation through the diversity of creation, and the unity of humankind as the product of a single soul created by God. Pluralism is both a personal orientation and a civic process that embraces religious, cultural and ethnic diversity against forces that threaten to homogenize human particularities, such as secularism, fundamentalism and tribalism. Pluralism balances the universal and the particular, appreciating diversity as a blessing from God and an opportunity for human beings to attain self-knowledge; a pluralistic ethos is rooted in a sense of humility and awareness of one’s creature-hood in the face of the Divine. The Imam’s vision of pluralism calls for the establishment of “cosmopolitan ethics” – a value system rooted in the ethical and spiritual dimensions of the human “quality of life” and predicated upon multiple faiths, which balances rights and duties, universal principles and particular values.

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (MTS 2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University. Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy, a Review Article, two articles on Ismaili Philosophy in Sacred Web, and an article on Ismaili views of the Crucifixion of Jesus in The Matheson Trust. He was recently interviewed on CBC Radio about the the Aga Khan Museum.

He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and has completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics pertaining to Islamic thought and Ismaili philosophy.

On Saturday, November 14, 2015, Khalil Andani (PhD Candidate — Islamic Studies, Harvard University) presented his research paper, From Divine Diversity to the Single Soul: The Aga Khan’s Vision of Pluralism, at Boston University’s Conference on Religious Diversity. Khalil’s presentation took place two days after the Ismaili Imam delivered the Jodidi Lecture, titled The Cosmopolitan Ethic in a Fragmented World, at Harvard University.

The presentation discussed the following:

• Introduction to the Ismaili Imamat
• The Inseparability of Faith (Din) and World (Dunya)
• The Aga Khan on Pluralism
• The Theological Basis of Pluralism
• The Aga Khan on Cosmopolitan Ethics
• The Spiritual Roots of Cosmopolitan Ethics

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (MTS 2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University.

Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy, two articles on Ismaili Philosophy in Sacred Web, and an article on Ismaili views of the Crucifixion of Jesus in The Matheson Trust.

He was recently interviewed on CBC Radio about the Aga Khan Museum. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and has completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics pertaining to Islamic thought and Ismaili philosophy.

Source: Video: The Aga Khan’s Vision of Pluralism – From Divine Diversity to the Single Soul by Khalil Andani | The Essential Ismaili

“It remains a question why discussions of the ISLAMIC JESUS have not heretofore stressed the IMPORTANCE of the THOUGHT of these ISMAILI scholars with regard to what is probably the great single obstacle in Muslim-Christian relations not to mention an extremely important feature of Muslim identity.”
– Todd Lawson, (The Crucifixion and the Qur’an, 95)

Applying esoteric interpretations (ta’wil), characteristic to Ismaili Muslim theology, Fatimid Ismaili thinkers developed truly creative and ecumenical perspectives on the theological status and spiritual role of Jesus, while staying true to the shared Abrahamic heritage of Christianity and Islam.

Khalil Andani’s lecture, Jesus in Esoteric Islam: Ismaili Muslim Christology, delivered on March 1 2013, before the Society of Comparative Theology at Harvard Divinity School, summarizes various interpretations of Jesus put forward by these and other Ismaili philosophers.

Ismaili Muslim understandings of Jesus are very unique and would contribute to a deeper and more nuanced understanding to otherwise polarized discussions between Christians and Muslims. For example, Ismaili Muslim thinkers regard Jesus as the human manifestation or mirror (mazhar) of God’s Attributes, affirm the legitimacy of the Gospels and the crucifixion of Jesus, and creatively engage with the Eucharist and the Trinity using esoteric interpretation.

The lecture covers the following:
– An introduction to the Ismaili Muslims
– Shi’a Imamology and Christian Christology Compared
– Ismaili Cosmology and Theology of Religions
– An esoteric perspective (ta’wil) of the Christian Trinity
– An esoteric perspective (ta’wil) of the Christian Eucharist
– An esoteric perspective (ta’wil) of the Crucifixion of Jesus
– An esoteric perspective (ta’wil) of the unity between Christian Cross and the Shahadah.

Khalil Andani is a doctoral (Ph.D) candidate specializing in Islamic intellectual history, theology, philosophy, and mysticism at Harvard University and holds a Master of Theological Studies degree (MTS 2014), specializing in Islamic philosophy and Ismaili thought, from Harvard University.

Khalil’s publications include a book chapter on Nasir-i Khusraw’s philosophical thought in the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Islamic Philosophy, two articles on Ismaili Philosophy in Sacred Web, and an article on Ismaili views of the Crucifixion of Jesus in The Matheson Trust.

He was recently interviewed on CBC Radio about the Aga Khan Museum. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA-CPA) and has completed Bachelor of Mathematics (BMath) and Master of Accounting degrees at the University of Waterloo (2008). Over the last few years, Khalil has been invited to deliver several guest lectures and conference presentations on various topics pertaining to Islamic thought and Ismaili philosophy.

Source: The Essential Ismaili