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FALL 2025

Inrushes of the Heart: An Introduction to ʿAyn al-Quḍāt

Mohammed Rustom

Join the live class
October 22, 2025 7:00 PM
(Local Timezone)
ONLINE COURSE
7-WEEK
TBA
LECTURES
WEDNESDAYS | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST
TBA
FIRST CLASS
OCT 22, 2025
TBA

Description

In this course we will introduce the famous philosopher, mystic, and poet ʿAyn al-Quḍāt Hamadānī (d. 1131). A student of Aḥmad al-Ghazālī (d. 1126), ʿAyn al-Quḍāt was a religious judge and spiritual teacher who was put to death by the Seljuq government at the age of thirty-four, ostensibly on charges of “heresy.” Having come to terms with ʿAyn al-Quḍāt’s life, martyrdom, and self-perception as a teacher and scholar extraordinaire, we will then venture into an in-depth analysis of his writings, carefully unpacking his highly original teachings on God, cosmology, human agency, spiritual practice, imagination, death, knowledge, scripture, beauty, and love.

Texts 

Rustom, Inrushes of the Heart: The Sufi Philosophy of ʿAyn al-Quḍāt 

Faruque and Rustom, “ʿAyn al-Qudat” (https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/al-qudat/)

Description and Texts

Prerequisite

  • This course has no prerequisites. It presupposes no prior knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition. 
  • It is open to both traditional and non-traditional learners (those who do not fit the standard profile of young, full-time students who enroll directly from high school). Anyone may enroll in this course provided they are deeply interested in the topic.

Structure of Class

  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Format: Lecture and Q&A
    • Lecture: 50–60 minutes
    • Q&A: 25–30 minutes
  • Some classes will include student activities.

Q&A Structure

  • Students may interact with the instructor directly by using the Zoom “Raise Hand” feature.
  • Students may also type their questions in the chat box.
  • Depending on the flow of the class, the instructor will decide whether to take questions during the lecture or at the end.

Follow-Up

  • Students are welcome to follow up with the instructor regarding any aspects of the class.
  • The instructor will respond either by email or during the next class session.

Readings

  • Students will be assigned readings before each class.
  • They are expected to complete the readings in advance to maximize their participation in class.

Outcome

  • In line with our educational philosophy, the Tokat courses “embrace an anthropocosmic perspective wherein one comes to actualize an awareness that integrates the rational, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of one’s being.” 
  • In general, these courses are meant to provide students with intellectual and spiritual resources to understand and explore the intellectual dimension of Islam. Such resources are indispensable in an age marked by misinformation and shallowness, when the pursuit of authentic knowledge has become increasingly elusive.

Schedule of Meetings & Readings

October 22

Topic: Autobiography and Advice

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, introduction; chapters 1 and 2

October 29

Topic: Metaphysics and Theology

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapters 3 and 4

November 5

Topic: Imaginalization and Death

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 5

November 12

Topic: Knowledge and the Way

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapters 6 and 7

November 19

Topic: Quranic Origins

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 8

November 26

Topic: Muhammad and Iblis

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 9

December 3

Topic: Love and Beauty

Readings: Inrushes of the Heart, chapter 10

Instructor Bio
Mohammed Rustom