Organizer: Rudolph (Butch) Ware, associate professor of history, U-M.

Prophetic Poetics is both a colloquium and an evening of festive poetic recitations providing an interdisciplinary perspective on Mawlid texts and Muslim piety. In this event we will explore the ways in which Muslim communities have commemorated and celebrated the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (usually on the 12th day of the lunar month of Rabbi al-Awal) through poetry. Consistent with its effort to foster and enrich scholarly and community dialogues on Islam, this year the IKHLAS Initiative for the study of Islamic Knowledge, Histories & Languages, Arts & Sciences has invited members of the local Muslim community not only to attend the colloquium, but also to share their recitations and performances of devotional poetry with the University of Michigan community, and with one another.

SCHEDULE

12-4:30 pm | Afternoon Colloquium
Opening comments and introduction by Butch Ware
Panels featuring:
Nancy Florida, professor of Javanese and Islamic studies, U-M
Talia Gangoo, PhD student in Islamic studies, U-M
Ali Hussain, PhD student in Islamic studies, U-M
Ousman Kobo, associate professor of history, Ohio State University
Shaykh Muhammad Adeyinka Mendes, classically trained Islamic scholar, Atlanta GA
Amir Syed, PhD student in anthropology & history, U-M

4:30-5:30 pm | Mawlid Poetry
Comments on significance of Mawlid poetry by community leaders

5:30-6 pm |Break

6-9 pm |Evening performances and poetic recitations

9-10 pm |Dinner & Coffee

10 pm-12 am | Continuation of evening performances and poetic recitations

Sponsors: IKHLAS Initiative for the study of Islamic Knowledge, Histories & Languages, Arts & Sciences; African Studies Center; International Institute; Islamic Studies Program; Muslim Student Association; Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies