Welcome to ISLAMIC ILLUMINATIONS!

Salaam, one and all! We welcome you with heart-felt prayers for God's peace and mercy and blessings.

This blog is maintained for the readers of In the Light of a Blessed Tree, as well as for all those interested in the wider work of Dr. Timothy J. Gianotti: including the Islamic Institute for Spiritual Formation (IISF, Toronto), which he serves as the Director and Principal Teacher, the Studies in Islam program at Renison University College (University of Waterloo), where he serves as an Associate Professor, and the American Islamic College (Chicago), where he served as the Director of Islamic Studies (2013-2015).

Please stay tuned for new blog entries and announcements for new programs in Toronto and beyond!


Light Upon Light Friday December 5, 2008

Friday December 5 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light

Topic: The World of the Unseen

lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

Light Upon Light Spirituality Discussion Series features a variety of spiritually nourishing subjects. This is an inclusive space where participants of all faiths actively contribute in a manner that is respectful to all.

This series is led by Dr. Timothy Gianotti
2008-2009 Noor Fellow in Islamic Studies, York University
2007-2008 Noor Chair of Islamic Studies, York University


Light refreshments will be served. Admittance is $5.

Previous Topics:

Spiritual Knowledge / Love / Tests & Trials / Loving Universally while Living within Particularity (featuring the writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook) / On the Importance of Being a Stranger in the World / Dreams, Death and the Journeys of the Spirit / On the Art of Being Grateful / The Importance of Solitude / Core Paradoxes: freedom in servitude, wealth in poverty, life in death, gaining by spending, spiritual advancement through sin /

Next scheduled date:
Friday January 9 at 7:30 pm
Light Upon Light, Topic: Being a Perpetual Beginner
lower level at the Noor Cultural Centre, 123 Wynford Drive map

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

To be a beginner is to struggle to achieve a desired purpose. This struggle is often accompanied by a sense of limitless possibility and hope. However to be a perpetual beginner would insinuate that this purpose is never quite fully attained. The knowledge one gains through various experiences is therefore used to re-examine and readdress the original purpose. What is this purpose for people of faith? For Muslims it is to submit to the will of God. Yet for many Muslims submitting oneself completely to God remains a constant struggle. This very struggle I would argue allows for the continual renewal of one’s faith, as well as restoring the hope and optimism that faith often brings. To renew is to begin again, so I would suggest to you that to be a person of faith is to be a perpetual beginner.