The Mysticism and Sufism in Islam and Iran course offers an introduction to spiritual and mystical dimensions of Islam, known as Sufism. It examines various doctrines and practices of Islamic mystics, offering insights into the social, political, artistic and literary aspects of Sufism.

The purpose of this course is to offer a bird’s eye view of the history of Islamic mysticism, its influence on Islamic literature and art, its impact on Muslims’ daily life, its application to politics in modern times, (e.g., how mystics fought against colonial powers or how mystical doctrines were applied to Iran’s political system), and the mystical exegesis of the Koran. As the course cannot cover all areas of Sufism, each week will focus on one specific aspect of Sufism. Subjects to be treated are as follows: ascetic movements, institutions, mystical journey, prophet Mohammed’s place in Sufism, the position of Satan in the creation, doctrine of love, mystical dance and music, and finally the manifestations of Sufism in modern politics in a wide geographic area.