Listen Today on
Episode 44: Islamic Principles #12: Rulings as Symbols
The rulings of the Sharia carry a larger meaning than their specific legal context. The spirit or symbol behind these laws remind us of the greater purpose of religion and identity. In this episode, I explore this concept with some concrete examples from Islamic history.
Episode Notes
Hadith Mentioned
The Companion who was told to wash when wounded and died. (Abu Dawud)
“Drink the milk of the cow as it is a medicine, use its fat because it is a healing, but stay away from its meat, which has sickness.” (al-Hakim)
Quran Mentioned
“Andtake off your sandal” (20:12)
People Mentioned
Jalal Akbar
Imam Sirhindi
Last descendent of Genghis Khan
Al-Maqrizi
keep learning
Understanding the Muslim Mind
If we could take all of Islamic intellectual history, what sort of patterns and principles could we deduce? More importantly, if we found someone who actually knew all this information, what would they look like, think like, talk like, etc.?
What is Usuli Islam?
In The Clock of the Long Now, Stewart Brand argues that religion is one of the most durable institutions of civilization that helps ground us all in timeless values. In his concept of the forces of innovation (rapidly changing) and durability (slow changing) of civilization, religion would definitely be amongst the more slow adapting forces.
MORE