An opportunity to deep-dive into Islam and Muslim civilisations, history and spirituality through the ages, accompanied by some of the best experts and academics in their field. Join us as we discover how Muslim societies and individuals have lived, thought about, and expressed their faith in their own ways as a pathway to the divine. We explore the far-flung lands that Muslims have lived in, the traditions – scientific, artistic, religious and cultural – they’ve contributed to, and the revelation itself, the Qur’an. Our guests have devoted their professional lives to producing robust scholarship about the rich heritage of Islam. Our mission is to bring that knowledge to our listeners – Muslim and non-Muslim alike – so as to better understand the world and address some of the biggest questions about life and meaning. This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Islam and its contributions to the world.
Episodes
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib is one of the most important spiritual and intellectual authorities in Islam after the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He was the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet, the fourth of the four ‘rightly guided caliphs’ who led the nascent Muslim community, and the first Shi’i spiritual leader, or Imam.
Considering his importance in the elaboration of intellectual, ethical, spiritual, legal and political traditions in Islam, there is a dearth of literature in Western languages on his life and thought. In this episode, author and researcher Dr Reza Shah Kazemi tells us about Imam Ali's life, his spirituality, and his guidance for behaving justly.
Reza Shah-Kazemi is a research associate at The Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, where he specialises in Sufism, Shi'ism, and comparative mysticism.
Listen now to this episode, and subscribe to Muslim Footprints.
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Tuesday Jun 27, 2023
Prophets serve as intermediaries between the human and divine worlds. For Muslims, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) represents the last of the monotheistic prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus. In his own lifetime, Prophet Muhammad overcame opposition and brought reforms, establishing a thriving community of believers which would become a major world civilisation.
On this episode we’re joined by Dr Stephen Burge, a specialist in Qur'anic interpretation. Dr Stephen is also an ordained priest of the Church of England. He talks to us about the challenges and triumphs of prophecy, and examines how prophets have inspired people’s relationship with the Divine, and with one another.
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Friday Jun 09, 2023
Friday Jun 09, 2023
Nasir Khusraw’s turning point could be described as a midlife crisis. He was a senior bureaucrat in Central Asia, enjoying a life of travel and socialising. But a more urgent current ran under the delights of the world, namely his aching desire to have some purpose, some answer to the question of why all this exists. A powerful dream shocked him out of his ‘forty years’ sleep’, and he became convinced that he must change his life completely, and use this truth to change the world.
Dr Alice Hunsberger, an expert on the 11th century sage, scholar and traveller, joins us on this first episode of Muslim Footprints to talk about Nasir Khusraw’s marvellous journey - a literal journey, from the ancient city of Marv to the Mediterranean via Jerusalem and Jeddah, as well as a spiritual one - in search of meaning.
Listen now to this episode, and subscribe to Muslim Footprints.
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
We're delighted to announce the launch of our brand new podcast, Muslim Footprints! 🎙️ 🎉
Join us on a captivating journey as we explore the rich heritage, remarkable stories, and diverse experiences of the Muslim community. Get ready to deep dive into engaging discussions and inspiring tales that celebrate the extraordinary contributions of Muslims to our world. 🌍
Look out for our first episode - coming soon! Find us on your favourite podcast platform, and make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes. Get ready to discover the beautiful footprints left by Muslims around the world. Let's listen, learn, and explore together! 🎧