RELI GU4326

This was my first step into Sufism, so my learning curve was steep to say the least. The professor made it possible for my to keep up without dumbing down the course. The readings were relevant and the discussions were vibrant. Seeing the evolution of Sufism, its connection to larger Islam, and the current condition of the practice on the world stage was wonderful.

Hard to quantify everything I learned, even on a weekly basis. I guess one of the broad themes I learned is that communities attached to identities are ambiguous, and there are gray areas I had not previously noticed, which impact the very meaning of the identities themselves.

This is a challenging course with a heavy work load, but absolutely worth it. If you take this class you will be heard, worked with, your contributions appreciated, and importantly, you will walk away at the end of the semester blown away by how much you learned, not just about distant histories of a 'mystical Sufism' but about how pertinent this history is to understanding the modern world and the many ways Islam shapes the world today. This class exceeded my expectations and is a great example of the type of education you'll receive at Columbia University. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2022 Course: RELIGU4326_001_2022_1-SUFISMINSOUTHASIA : RELIGU4326_001_2022_1 - SUFISM IN SOUTH ASIA Instructor: Quinn Clark

I learned a lot in this course, expanding my knowledge on Islam generally, and on South Asian history (on which I had had very limited knowledge). I was also exposed to some history of colonialism in South Asia, and post-colonial studies and theoretical concepts, which I had been largely ignorant of before taking this class. Learning about the history of India-Pakistan partition, I was also able to begin to gain an appreciation for what increasingly motivates people in the Muslim world to adopt ideologies which the West pejoratively denotes as 'Islamism'. I understand now that broad denouncements of 'Salafism' are often over-simplifications (at least to some degree within the Pakistani context); many individuals, even those who express militant leanings, also participate in Sufi practices (shrine veneration, dhikr, etc.), and may hold theological views which orthodox Salafists would repudiate.

This course has provided me with valuable knowledge, skills, and perspectives that have broadened my understanding of Islam and its mystical tradition. Through the study of primary and secondary sources, I developed critical thinking skills and learned how to interpret and evaluate historical sources. Moreover, I gained a deeper understanding of Sufi attitudes toward the body, lineage, power, and religious authority, and gained a broader perspective on the ongoing debates over the place of Sufism within the wider Islamic tradition. Finally, I gained an appreciation for the continued importance of Sufism in the modern world and its relevance to contemporary social, cultural, and political issues. Overall, this course has been a valuable and enriching experience that has deepened my understanding of Islam and its mystical tradition.

This course not only taught me about main tenets of Sufism, but it also taught me how it has been shaped in South Asia. It gave me a refined understanding of mysticism, love of God, and some of the sad realities of how it has been transformed by hate and greed of humans. The course taught me to reflect on my actions and most importantly introspect.

I would recommend this course to someone interested in religious studies and/or sociology and postcolonial theory.

Its a wonderful course which will not only improve your understanding of South Asia but will allow you to read interesting text on music, religion, politics, and culture of South Asia. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2023 Course: RELIGU4326_001_2023_1-SUFISMINSOUTHASIA : RELIGU4326_001_2023_1 - SUFISM IN SOUTH ASIA Instructor: Quinn Clark