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SPRING 2026

What is Love? Reflections from the Islamic Tradition

Oludamini Ogunnaike

Join the live class
May 7, 2026 7:00 PM
(Local Timezone)
ONLINE COURSE
8-WEEK
TBA
LECTURES
THURSDAYS, 7:00 PM–8:30 PM EST
TBA
FIRST CLASS
MAY 7, 2026
TBA

Love has been at the center of Islamic literary, philosophical, and spiritual discourses since their inception, developing some of the most beautiful, influential, and profound accounts ever written. In these traditions, love is more than a feeling, but a cosmic force, the cause of creation, the power that attracts and compels everyone and everything in this world and beyond. Through close readings from selections of the Qur’an and Hadith, the legend of Layla and Majnun, the philosophical reflections of Ibn Hazm and Ibn Sina, the poetry of Ibn al-Farid and Rumi, the metaphysical expositions of Ibn al-‘Arabi and Aḥmad al-Ghazali, and more, this course will explore the nature, causes, purpose, and the many-splendored reality of love.

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

May 7

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May 14

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May 21

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May 28

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June 4

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June 11

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June 18

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June 25

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Instructor Bio
Oludamini Ogunnaike