Summary
A discussion centers on the 12th-century Arabic novel "Hayy ibn Yaqzan," written by Ibn Tufayl, which explores profound philosophical themes through the story of a man raised in isolation on an island. The narrative follows Hayy, who grows up without human contact and discovers his individuality and the nature of existence through observation and reasoning. The book argues that humans are inherently good and capable of enlightenment independent of societal influences, a notion that resonates with modern philosophical ideas about individual potential and the concept of tabula rasa.
Ibn Tufayl's work is notable for its synthesis of various intellectual traditions, including Islamic philosophy and Sufi mysticism, and it has been suggested that it influenced the European Enlightenment. The story also critiques the reliance on religious symbols and rituals, positing that a deeper understanding of the divine can be achieved through personal inquiry and experience. Despite its historical significance, the novel did not gain immediate traction in the Muslim world but later inspired European thinkers and literary works, highlighting its enduring relevance in discussions of philosophy, religion, and human nature.
Show Notes
*Re-upload from personal channel*Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfVlosfX0ZgIn this first video of its kind on this channel, I discuss the 12th century philosophical tale "Hayy Ibn Yaqzan" written by Ibn Tufayl. This is a story that has had a significant impact on the world we live in, inspiring concepts such as Tabula rasa and modern philosophy in general.It stands as yet another sign of the incredible contribution that the Muslim world has made historically, something that is sadly often overlooked. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More from Let's Talk Religion
The great Sufi mystic Ibn Arabi was taught by a woman. In Part 2 of our series on Sufi women in history, we explore the female saints, teachers, and muses who shaped the thought of Islam's greatest mystical philosopher.Music by:Filip HolmFind me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateAlso check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254bSources/Recommended Reading:Addas, Claude (1993). "Quest for the Red Sulphur". The Islamic Texts Society.Austin, R.W.J. (translated by) (1988). "The Sufis of Andalusia: The Ruh Al-Quds' and 'Al-Durrat al-Fakhirah'". Beshara Publications.Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".Chodkiewicz, Michel (1993). "Seal of the Saints: Prophethood and sainthood in the doctrine of Ibn 'Arabi". Translated by Liadain Sherrard. The Islamic Texts Society.Caner Dagli (translated by) (2004). Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Great Books of the Islamic World. Kazi Pubns Inc.Shaikh, Sa'diyya (2012). "Sufi Narratives of Intimacy: Ibn Arabi, Gender & Sexuality". The University of North Carolina Press.Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-7. Pir Press.Chapters:0:00 Intro6:55 Teachers: Fatima & Shams10:30 Women's spiritual potential, leading prayers & prophethood22:45 Women in Ibn Arabi's Fiqh33:58 Companions35:55 Tarjuman, Nizam & Qurrat al-ayn47:46 Metaphysics & Cosmology of the Feminine in the Fusus49:49 Ibn 'Arabi's female students54:41 Family life58:14 Conclusions#ibnarabi #sufism #mysticism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this video we explore the complex world of "belief" and present one perspective on the subject, taken primarily from scholar Abby Day's book "Believing in belonging".Sources:Day, Abby (2013). "Believing in Belonging: Belief and Social Identity in The Modern World. Oxford University Press.#Religion #Faith #Sociology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often seen as a modern invention—but its core ideas were explored over 1,100 years ago by the 9th-century scholar Abu Zayd al-Balkhi.In this video, we explore al-Balkhi’s groundbreaking writings on mental health, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and the connection between thoughts and behavior—ideas that closely resemble modern psychology and CBT.Music by:Filip Holm (me)Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateAlso check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254bSources/Recommended Reading:Badri, Malik (translated by) (2024). "Abu Zayd al-Balkhi's Sustenance of the Soul: The Cognitive Behavior Therapy of a Ninth Century Physician: The Cognitive Behaviour Therapy of A Ninth Century Physician". International Institute of Islamic Thought.#islam #therapy #cbt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we try to get a basic overview of the religion that was practiced in Ancient Egypt.Find me and my music here:https://linktr.ee/filipholmSupport Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligion Or through a one-time donation: https://paypal.me/talkreligiondonateAlso check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqtWv0wRIhS6HFgerb?si=95b07d83d0254bMusic by:Filip HolmSources/Recomended Reading:Assmann, Jan (2001). "The Search for God in Ancient Egypt". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.Dunand, Françoise & Christiane Zivie-Coche (2005). "Gods and Men in Egypt: 3000 BCE to 395 CE". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.Hornung, Erik (1996). "Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many". Translated by John Baines. Cornell University Press.Hornung, Erik (1999). "Akhenaten and the Religion of Light". Translated by David Lorton. Cornell University Press.Meeks, D., & Favard-Meeks, C. (1997). Daily Life of the Egyptian Gods (G. M. Goshgarian, Trans.; Pimilco).Pinch, G. (2002). Handbook of Egyptian Mythology.Quirke, Stephen (1992). "Ancient Egyptian Religion". British Museum Press. Teeter, Emily (2011). "Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt". Cambridge University Press.Wilkinson, R. H. (2003). The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt.Wilkinson, R. H. (2000). The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt.Chapters:0:00 Intro4:02 The Netjer (gods)6:55 Creation of the world14:52 Gods & their associations18:25 Ma'at20:19 The King & Royal Mythology24:28 Divine Images & The Temple Cult33:40 Festivals37:05 The Royal Cult40:07 Religion for "regular people"46:19 Magic & Mysticism (?)53:28 Henotheism? Monotheism? Pantheism?1:03:29 Death & The Afterlife1:13:42 Developments & Syncretisms in the Late Period1:20:06 Conclusions#egypt #ancienthistory #religion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this second video in our Shocktober 2020 series, we explore the king of mythical creatures in the middle east - the Jinn. What are some of the misconceptions about these creatures, and what different kinds are there out there?Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/letstalkreligionOr make a one-time donation through Paypal to: [email protected]/Further Reading:Lebling, Robert & Tahir Shah (2014). "Legends of the Fire Spirits: Jinn and Genies from Arabia to Zanzibar. I.B. Tauris.Henninger, Joseph (2004). "Beliefs in Spirits among the Pre-Islamic Arabs". In "Magic and Divination in Early Islam". Edited by Emile Savage-Smith. Ashgate Publishing Company.#Jinn #Arabia #Genie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices