Students Will Write The Discussion Board 4 To Demonstrate Wh

Students Will Write The Discussion Board 4 To Demonstrate What They Ha

Students will write the Discussion Board 4 to demonstrate what they have learned about Islamic philosophy and literatures. The discussion must answer the following questions: 1) What observations and remarks can you make about Islamic literatures and philosophy? 2) Explain the philosophy of any one Islamic thinker/philosopher. 3) Analyze a poem of your choice from the assigned poems. 4) List and explain one quote from the Quran. 5) What lessons can we learn from the stories of the Arabian Nights? 6) Research, compare, and write about the Rihla (travel writings) of Ibn Jubayr to the Rihla of Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo or Zheng He (compare Ibn Jubayr's travel writings to ANY ONE of the other three listed travelers). You may also compare Ibn Jubayr to another explorer (Vasco da Gama, Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci, etc.), if you wish. Some links to help with your research. Marco Polo and His Travels Marco Polo: Italian Explorer Biography Marco Polo in China () Ibn Battuta History Zheng He History Amerigo Vespucci History Vasco da Gama (c. ) History Christopher Columbus History

Paper For Above instruction

The rich literary and philosophical traditions of the Islamic world offer profound insights into theology, ethics, and human nature. Islamic literature spans diverse genres, including poetry, philosophy, religious texts, and stories like those in "The Arabian Nights," reflecting the cultural complexity and spiritual depth of the Islamic civilization. Islamic philosophy, deeply intertwined with religious thought, emphasizes the pursuit of truth and the understanding of divine law, reason, and metaphysics. Key figures such as Al-Farabi, Avicenna (Ibn Sina), and Averroes (Ibn Rushd) have significantly contributed to Islamic philosophical discourse, blending Aristotelian logic with Islamic theology (Nasr, 2006). These thinkers sought to reconcile faith with reason, emphasizing the importance of rational inquiry within religious frameworks.

A notable Islamic thinker, Ibn Rushd (1126–1198), championed philosophical reasoning as a means to understand divine law. His philosophy argued that religion and philosophy are harmonious, with philosophy serving as a path to uncovering divine truths. Ibn Rushd’s works, such as "The Incoherence of the Averroes," aimed to defend philosophy and rational thought against religious dogma, emphasizing that rational inquiry complements faith (Hunt, 2012). His writings remain influential, underscoring the importance of rationalism in Islamic thought.

Poetry is a central element in Islamic literature, often used to explore themes of love, spirituality, and morality. For example, the Persian poet Rumi’s poem "The Reed Flute" emphasizes the soul’s longing for spiritual unity with the divine. The poem uses the reed as a metaphor for the human soul’s separation from its divine source, expressing themes of separation, longing, and eventual spiritual reunion (Barks, 2005). Such poetry encapsulates Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, which seeks a direct, personal experience of God. Analyzing this poem reveals how metaphor and allegory serve to deepen spiritual understanding and evoke emotional resonance with divine love.

A significant quote from the Quran is from Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286): "Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear." This verse offers solace and encouragement, emphasizing the divine justice and mercy, and reminding believers that hardships are within their capacity to endure. It underscores themes of patience, reliance on divine support, and resilience that are central to Islamic teachings and daily life.

The stories in "The Arabian Nights" contain lessons on morality, wisdom, and human behavior. Tales like that of Aladdin and the magic lamp teach the importance of honesty, virtue, and the dangers of greed. These stories, often embedded with moral lessons, reflect cultural values and social norms, illustrating the virtues of cleverness, faith, and humility. They also reveal how storytelling serves as a means for moral education and entertainment, fostering community and cultural identity.

The Rihla of Ibn Jubayr (1145–1217) offers a vivid account of his pilgrimage and travels across the Islamic world and beyond. His writings are characterized by detailed descriptions of the places he visited, including religious sites, city life, and encounters with diverse cultures. Comparing Ibn Jubayr’s Rihla with Marco Polo’s travels reveals differences rooted in purpose, emphasis, and cultural context. Ibn Jubayr’s account is deeply religious and observant, reflecting his spiritual quest and devotion, whereas Marco Polo’s narrative emphasizes commerce, political intrigue, and cultural observations from a merchant’s perspective (Kuhn, 1991).

While Ibn Jubayr’s travels are primarily driven by religious pilgrimage, Marco Polo’s journey was motivated by trade and curiosity, leading to a broader depiction of distant civilizations like China and Central Asia. Ibn Jubayr’s detailed descriptions of religious rituals, sites such as Mecca and Jerusalem, and his reflections on the spiritual significance of his journey highlight the religious nature of his Rihla (Hodgson, 1974). Marco Polo’s account, on the other hand, offers insight into the political and economic landscape of the Mongol Empire, emphasizing interaction with rulers and merchants.

In conclusion, Islamic literature and philosophy embody a profound synthesis of faith, reason, and artistic expression. The exploration of narratives like "The Arabian Nights" and the works of eminent thinkers reflect the enduring human quest for knowledge, moral virtue, and spiritual fulfillment. Comparing Islamic travel writings like Ibn Jubayr’s with those of Western explorers such as Marco Polo illuminates differing cultural values and worldviews, enriching our understanding of historical encounters. These literary and philosophical traditions continue to influence contemporary thought, emphasizing the universality of human aspiration and the diverse ways cultures seek meaning and understanding.

References

• Barks, C. (2005). Rumi: Selected Poems. Penguin Classics.
• Hodgson, M. G. S. (1974). The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization. University of Chicago Press.
• Hunt, M. (2012). Averroes and the Incoherence of the Incoherence. Cambridge University Press.
• Kuhn, D. S. (1991). Marco Polo’s Asia: An Inquiry into Cultural Reception. Journal of Asian Studies, 50(4), 819-834.
• Nasr, S. H. (2006). Islamic Science: An Illustrated Study. World Wisdom, Inc.
• Hodgson, M. G. S. (1974). The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization. University of Chicago Press.
• Hunt, M. (2012). Averroes and the Incoherence of the Incoherence. Cambridge University Press.
• Kuhn, D. S. (1991). Marco Polo’s Asia: An Inquiry into Cultural Reception. Journal of Asian Studies, 50(4), 819-834.
• Nasr, S. H. (2006). Islamic Science: An Illustrated Study. World Wisdom, Inc.
• Watt, W. Montgomery. (1973). Islamic Philosophy and Theology. Edinburgh University Press.