Imam Ali - Symbol of Justice and Spirituality |
Posted Date: Wednesday 12 March 2008 - 14:18:29 |
Event Date: Wednesday 12 March 2008 - 17:00:00 |
Language: English |
The University of Cambridge Islamic Society invites you attend "Imam Ali -
Symbol of Justice and Spirituality" Date: Wednesday 12th March 2008 Time: 7pm Venue: Physiology Lecture Theatre - Downing Site Imam Ali bin Abi Talib, is one of the companions of the Prophet of Islam. Edward Gibbon, the 18th century English Historian wrote: "The zeal and virtue of Ali were never outstripped by any recent proselyte. He united the qualifications of a poet, a soldier, and a saint; his wisdom still breathes in a collection of moral and religious sayings ... From the first hour of his mission to the last rites of his funeral, the apostle (Mohammad) was never forsaken by a generous friend, whom he delighted to name his brother, his vicegerent, and the faithful Aaron of a second Moses" Kofi Annan, the previous Secretary of the United Nations said: " The words of Ali ibn Abi Talib, 'O Malik! The people are either brothers in religion or your equal in creation' must be adhered to by all organizations and it is a statement that all humanity must embrace." At this event, Murtaza Lakha, will be looking at the personality of Imam Ali, and how he upheld justice and equality during his time and what we might be able to learn from him today. Samir Mahmoud will then be looking at some of the mystical teachings of Imam Ali. Samir Mahmoud is a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge (2007-2010) focusing on the phenomenology of Islamic artistic patterns (geometric and vegetal) in the context of sacred space drawing on the mystical and philosophical traditions in Islam (sacred art and architecture). His writings and publications include "Between Mythos and Logos" and "The Space of Soul: Towards a Phenomenology of Sacred Space". He follows the Sunni school of thought. Murtaza Lakha, a barrister by profession, is an internationally renowned, highly knowledgeable and eloquent speaker on a range of Islam related subjects. He is also the author of a book on "The 12th Imam" and has translated selections of widely recited supplications from Arabic to English. He follows the Shia school of thought. Dinner will be served |