The AMI Podcast

Dr. Fanaei spoke about the various approaches, among Shi’i circles,  to the event of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. The presentation opened with a critique of more traditional approaches to the event, which tend to focus on the undeniable tragic and calamitous aspects of it. Dr. Fanaei opened by suggesting that a more wholesome and beneficial appreciation would require an exploration of its positive ramifications of it. The presentation’s main body sought to explain how various explanations for the event of Karbala, fall short in that they do not help in deriving universally applicable principles. In doing so, Dr. Fanaei’s talk problematised mythical, mystical, political and jurisprudential understandings behind the reasons of the event. Some of the mentioned endeavours to explain the event have been purported by prominent names, like Dr. Ali Shariati (political) and  Ayatollah Shaheed Motahheri (jurisprudential). All of them, however,  were either rebutted by the historical contexts or were insufficient explanations due to them not being universally imitable. In conclusion,  Dr. Fanaei suggested that the underlying reasons behind the event of  Karbala could only be explained using the moral lens; in that Imam  Hussein’s uprising was necessary to uphold the moral principles of justice and dignity.

Rabbi Jeff Berger presents the concept of Sin and Human Nature in Judaism.

Shaykh Ali Khaki presents the concept of Sin and Human Nature in Islam.

Prof. Esther D. Reed presents the concept of Sin and Human Nature in Christianity.

Shaykh Riaz gives a thorough analysis of the Quranic verses on the origin and purpose of creation. He emphasises that the objective of the verses was to remind people of the majesty of God as the universe is the manifestation of God, often described as the ‘face of God’. Shaykh Riaz enumerated verses alluding to the creation in conformity with the scientific knowledge of existence such as the occurrence of the big bang and the expansion of the universe, which he supported by hadith literature. He concluded with discussions on the environmental crisis, quoting scholars who consider it to be indicative of a spiritual crisis arising from the misconception that the cosmos is lifeless unconscious matter.    

Sister Isabel focused on the Catholic perspective with an analysis of Pope Francis’ letter, Laudato si that sets out the Pope’s care for creation using the theology of creation as a motivation for believers. It reflects a change in the theology in response to changes in society, as is the ongoing process within Catholicism. The initial understanding of Genesis was that nature was created for the ease of human beings, however, due to the original sin of Adam and Eve, humans were left on earth to suffer in their sinful state. This reading had far-reaching consequences in Christianity including implications for the treatment of women. The changes in Laudato si came about as a recognition that the chapters of Genesis contained truth but were written as myths. The changes also reflect our evolving knowledge of science and cosmology.    

Rabbi Michael began by explaining that the exchange of ideas on foundational issues amongst the three faith traditions is not a novel occurrence. Whilst in the past forums like the IRS which bring together intellectuals of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism for scholarly discussions did not necessarily exist, reading and replying to the scholarly works of other faiths was not uncommon. Thus, IRS continues a tradition of debating and learning from one another. His presentation comprised of two parts; firstly, analysing texts such as the Genesis which talk about creation, and secondly, discussing texts through which duty towards creation can be understood. Whilst there is a multitude of Jewish texts that address environmental concerns, Rabbi Michael picked out four key themes: stewardship, preservation of species and prohibition of waste, pollution, and the green belt.   

A scholarly discussion on The Status of Yazid's Leadership & Imam Hussain's Stance Against Him.

Shaykh Ladak outlined the Shia stance on Yazid and Imam al-Hussain’s rising, and that the Shia hold Yazid directly accountable for the killing of al-Hussain. He outlined the Shia theological stance towards Yazid’s status in the hereafter and justifications for why it is permitted to curse him. The practice of cursing, according to Shaykh Jafar, is a positive means of staying away from sins and should not be taken as something negative.

Dr Qadhi outlined the spectrum of Sunni opinions regarding Yazid’s Khilāfa & his personality, mentioning the mainstream views and the extreme positions held by Sunni Scholars. All Sunni scholars according to him condemn the killing of Imam al-Hussain, although some may not necessarily hold Yazid as being accountable for his death... (Video part 1 of 3).