RLST126 CM - Islam and the End of Time

The history of Islam is often told through a linear timeline recounting the rise and fall of various dynasties. This narrative, however, frequently obscures the dynamism, subtlety, and complexities of Islamic religious traditions. This course uses the prism of the end of time to re-examine central questions regarding the constituent components of Islamic apocalyptic religion. We will first look at some major themes of Islamic eschatological literature. We will then discuss the ways in which various apocalyptic prophecies were deployed and reinterpreted. The bulk of this course will be devoted to studying multiple mahdist movements, movements centered around those who claimed to be the awaited savior figure. We will then reflect more broadly on how our study of Islamic eschatological traditions can inform and reshape dominant narratives in the study of Islam.

Prerequisite: RLST 058 CM or RLST 128 CM or RLST128 PO or permission of instructor

Offered: Every other year

Credit: 1

Course Number: RLST126 CM