Studying the Philosophy and Meaning of Ashura in Academia: Historical and Contemporary Issues

Abstract: 
Within academia, there has been much research done on Ashura and its centrality in Shi’a Islam. However much of the field has focused on particular communal or ritual manifestations with less emphasis on the rich philosophical and theological interpretations of Imam Hussain’s life and legacy found in diverse Muslim societies throughout time. To move the literature forward, this panel addresses the question: how can the philosophy of Ashura and the values underpinning Imam Hussain’s actions be more deeply understood and investigated in academia from various disciplinary approaches?  How can we study the values, meanings, and philosophy of Ashura? What is the field of Islamic or regional studies lacking in this regard and what can we do as scholars and academics to help rectify these challenges in the state of the field?

Part of the Ashura Lecture Series at the Project on Shi'ism & Global Affairs -- researching the life, legacy, and impact of Imam Hussain

Speakers:Syed Akbar Hyder, Associate Professor of Asian Studies and Islamic Studies, University of Texas at Austin
Karen Ruffle, Associate Professor of History of Religions and the Study of Religion, University of Toronto
Nicholas Boylston, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies, Seattle University

Moderator:
Payam Mohseni, Director, Project on Shi'ism and Global Affairs, Harvard University Weatherhead Center

To register for the event, click here. 

The Project of Shi'ism and Global Affairs' focus on Ashura and the life and legacy of Imam Hussain has been made possible by a generous gift from the Jaffer Family Foundation of New York.