The Ethical Lessons of Karbala

Synopsis: In this interview, the first of our Muharram series, Dr. Takim gives an overview of the significance of Karbala and offers his thoughts on what changes he has noticed in the commemoration (Azadari) of Imam Husayn's saga. Dr. Takim also offers suggestions of what we can do to make the meaning of Ashura more relevant and applicable in our lives. Bio: Dr. Takim holds a Ph.D. from the Schol of Oriental and African Studies in London and currently serves as a Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Denver, Colarado. His Ph.D. dissertation "Dissention and the Struggle for Authority in Shi'i Biographical Literature" has been revised and published under the title The Heirs of the Prophet: Charisma and Religious Authority in Shi'ite Islam (SUNY Press, 2006). In addition, he is involved in a joint research project entitled "Muslims in the American Public Square," undertaken for the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. Dr. Takim's teaching interests include courses on Islamic mysticism, classical and contemporary Islam, and Islam in comparative perspective.