21/05/2024 08:30 - 13:15

HALL: FATESI - D'ACQUISTO

Proponent: Bria G., Cancian A.

Chair: Bria G., Cancian A.

Speaker: Bria G., Cancian A., Gillon F., Hofmann W.R., Patrizi L., Vilozny R.

The possibility of the transmission of the prophetic charisma from father to son is attested within the different theological and spiritual articulation of Islam. The absence of a male heir to Mu?ammad, however, did not prevent religious traditions emerged from the Muslim world from acknowledging the possibility of a special (at times exclusive even) transmission of spiritual authority within the ahl al-bayt, the "people of the Household", i.e. the members of the family of Mu?ammad, through his son-in-law ?Ali b. Abi ?alib (d. 661), ?Ali's wife Fa?ima (d. 632), and their offspring. It is something of such great importance in the history of Islam that few of its internal divisions cannot be ascribed to discrepancies in the interpretations of the religious, spiritual and political role of that progeny. The matter is at the basis of a number of mystical and esoteric doctrines and practices that have emerged in different historical and intellectual contexts.
The aim of this panel is to analyse some sources and contexts within the Muslims traditions where the metaphysical nature and spiritual significance of the ahl al-bayt are articulated, across the denominational, cultural, and linguistic board. At the same time, the contributions in this panel will address different dimensions of the spiritual practices, rituals and performances connected to the devotion to the People of the House of Mu?ammad, as well as the social and political implications of such devotion.