DI-645: Christian-Muslim Relations in Arabia: Ibadi Islam and Interfaith Theology in the Sultanate of Oman Friday, January 2, 2015—Thursday, January 15, 2015
Course Description The Sultanate of Oman is the only Muslim nation in the world that practices Ibadi Islam as the official national religion. Islam came to Oman during the lifetime of the Prophet (pbuh) in the year 8 AH/630 AD. By 63 AH/682 AD a new Reformed Islamic movement called Ibadism had come to Oman based on the teachings and writings of Abdullah Ibn Ibad. Ibadism incorporates an austere piety with an openness to engaging in dialogue with other Islamic schools of thought and other faiths. Due to the guidance of Ibadi doctrine and Oman’s centuries-old status as a cosmopolitan hub of sea trade, Oman is has a long tradition of religious pluralism both within Islam and with other faiths. This combination makes Oman an ideal place to engage in Inter-Islamic and Christian- Muslim dialogue. Oman’s religious and political leadership is currently articulating the importance of inter-Islamic, interfaith and intercultural pluralism both in Oman and globally as a key ingredient in the creation and maintenance of peaceful civil societies. In this two-week course located in the southern Arabian Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman, we will: • Attend lectures and meetings with Ibadi Imams and scholars to explore: o Ibadi history and theology o Ibadi approaches to interfaith collaboration o Etymology of Arabic terms in ancient Ibadi texts o The process of Imamate preparation and duties • Engage in interfaith dialogue with students in the Institute of Sharia Sciences, Oman’s Ibadi seminary. • Meet missionaries of the American Protestant Mission in Oman that dates to the 1890’s and learn about the Christian perspective of Muslim-Christian relations. • Have opportunities to socialize with Oman’s political and religious leaders in an environment of open inquiry and exchange. • Explore the interfaith context of Oman with visits to a Hindu temple, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant worship centers. • Tour the interior of Oman to visit some of the oldest mosques of Islam and experience the culture and beauty of this Arabian country.
Cost: Hartford Seminary will offer scholarship assistance to reduce the cost of this 3 credit course to $995 (no additional seminary aid will be available).
Full scholarships are available worth $1,800 from Oman to cover all room, board and program related travel expenses in Oman. Students are responsible for their own airfare.
Application for Course and Scholarship Assistance
Christian-Muslim Relations in Arabia: Ibadi Islam and Interfaith Theology in the Sultanate of Oman
1. All students must complete this application form and the application essay (see below).
2. The deadline to apply for students seeking scholarship assistance is November 1.
3. The deadline to apply for students not seeking scholarship assistance is December 15.
4. Include a check for $250 payable to Hartford Seminary with your application.
Submit your application to the Registrar’s Office by email to [email protected] or by mail to Registrar, Hartford Seminary, 77 Sherman Street, Hartford, CT 06105..
[Please note that interested students must meet by December 15 with Najib Awad, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, to discuss preparatory readings and other course assignments.]
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Application Essay
Please answer the following questions in two single-space pages or less.
1. Articulate why inter-Islamic and interfaith education is important to you.
2. What previous knowledge of Islam and interfaith relations will you be bringing to this course?
3. What interests you in learning about Ibadi Islam and Christian-Muslim relations as it is practiced in Oman?