The Names of God (1): Introduction

Adnan introduces a new series on the spiritual and devotional tradition of the Divine Names. A collaboration with phenomenological psychologist and student of Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, Dr. Marc Applebaum, the series explores each of the 99 "Beautiful Names" through Sufi mystical theosophy, Qur'anic commentaries, and spiritual experience and meaning. Drawing inspiration from medieval as well as modern spiritual texts within Islamic theology and Sufi writings as well as in other Abrahamic traditions and psychological and pheomenological scholarship, Adnan and Marc embark on an examination of the Names of God in the context of spiritual fulfillment and development as a path for realizing the full potential of what it means to be human, a complete human, in the world. Therefore, we hope this will be a valuable series for not only Muslims interested in the Islamic tradition on the 99 Names in Sufism or adherents of Judaism or Christianity, but also to those seeking nourishment and pathways for self-knowledge and growth of all varieties in or outside of religious traitions.

In this introduction to the series, Marc and Adnan talk about: their interest in the Names; the Names' place in Sufi mysticism, particularly the "Akbarian" theosophical school based on the insights and writings of influential Sufi Shaykh Muhyiddin ibn al-Arabi; phenomenology as a philosophical approach grounding experience; and relevance to psychological and spiritual interpretations of the Names of God.

For two short companion videos Marc made that elaborate more on his background as well as understanding of phenomenology and its relevance as an approach, see:

https://youtu.be/yBSO172xrqs

https://youtu.be/CvADk1oDvfo

More of Marc's work:

https://phenomenologyblog.com/?page_id=198.

Itlaq Foundation: http://www.itlaqfoundation.com/staff.html

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