Omid Safi

Dr. Omid Safi, a professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Duke University with a focus on Sufism, shares profound insights on navigating crises through creativity. He discusses how singing and poetry serve as vital expressions of longing and connection in tumultuous times. Safi emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty and fostering genuine relationships to heal societal wounds. By viewing the universe as a beloved mystery, he advocates for cultivating sacredness and empathy amidst modern disconnection, urging listeners to find strength through emotional expression.

Exploring justice as a living force in the world, delving into the concept of balance and responsibility, reflecting on the impermanence of power, discussing the myth of Nemesis, celebrating spirituality in adversity, and seeking personal reconciliation for a better world.

In our time, some associate the word “religion” with rigid dogma and the excesses of institutions. The word “spirituality” on the other hand can seem to have little substance or form. The word “faith” can appear as a compromise of sorts, pointing to the content of religious tradition and spiritual experience. The truth is, all of these words are vague in the abstract. They gain meaning in the context of human experience. In this show, we’ll explore the connotations of the word “faith” in four traditions and lives: Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We’ll speak with Sharon Salzberg, Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, Anne Lamott, and Omid Safi.

Omid Safi discusses deepening faith into ecstatic adoration of God, the unity of Allah, virtue in Islam, and experiencing Allah through beauty. He emphasizes worshiping God for more than salvation, unwavering divine presence, the eternal now, and individual spiritual journeys.

Omid Safi, a Professor of Islamic Studies at Duke University, dives into the world of love in Islamic mystical poetry, particularly through the lens of Rumi and Sufism. He discusses the balance of fidelity and accessibility in translating Sufi poetry, and how mentorship shaped his journey from medicine to academia. Safi explores the concept of 'radical love' or 'ishq,' emphasizing its transformative power in spiritual development. He also highlights contemporary Sufi figures and the role of love in community engagement, creating a rich tapestry of understanding for both scholars and enthusiasts.