Head On History

In our final episode of the season we talk about how Islam is shaped by the decline of the gunpowder empires and the coming of European colonialism. We talk about the rise of Wahhabism and its historical context, the emergence of pan-Islamism, Islamic modernism, and fundamentalism. We talk about the genealogy of these movements in figures like Jamal Ad Din Al Afghani, Khayr ad Din al Tunisi and how the historical experience of colonialism and globalization shaped their thinking. We discuss Hasan al Banna and the Muslim Brotherhood and Sayyid Qutb's influence on the emergence of political Islam. We also talk about Abul A'la Maududi and his influence on the concept of the jihad. In this episode we chart the remergence of the language of the caliphate and the influence of European thought in political Islam. We explore the ideological foundation behind the Iranian Revolution with Ali Shariati. Finally we conclude with the intellectual divisions in contemporary Islam from Islamism and Wahhabism to political Islam, to reform and revival movements; setting the stage for next season.

In our penultimate episode we discuss the Indo-Persian world and the establishment of the Mughal Dynasty. We talk about the particular expression of Islam that flourishes in South Asia and how it is shaped by the religions of the region. We explore the ecstatic or "drunken" Sufism of poetry and music, with special attention payed to the poetry of Rumi, the style of the ghazal, and the flourishing of qawwali music. We talk about the origins qawwali with Amr Khusru as well as the fusion of Indian and Persian art in the Taj Mahal and jali. We regale the story of Layla and Majnun as characteristic of the type of devotional, universalist Sufism that features prominently in the reign of Akbar. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion of the Sunni-Shia split under the Ottomans and Safavids, setting the stage for the coming of the Europeans.

In this episode we explore how Muslims experience the fall of the Caliphate and how in turn Islam is shaped by the historical circumstances. Building upon the scholarly Islam developed by the Seljuks, we talk about the fusion of internal spirituality in the form of Sufism with orthodox Sunni Islam in the figure of al Ghazali. We also discuss the heir of Al Andalus, Ibn Arabi and the philosophical Sufism that emerges. The anxieties about the Mongol invasion shape much of the developments of Islam in this time period as we see in the theology of ibn Taymiyyah and the poetry of Rumi. Understanding this context sets the scene for the rise of the Ottomans and the Safavids. We discuss Ottoman society, the division of powers, the influence of the harem, the role of scholarly Sunni Islam, the millet, and how the state continued and broke with the previous caliphate. Finally we talk about the rise of the Savafids, the formalization of popular Twelver Shi'ism through the Ayatollahs and Taziyeh and the conflict of the Ottoman-Safavid wars.

This episode focuses on the way Islam was shaped by the experience of the crusades. We talk about the historical development of the concept of "jihad" and how it was defined over time. Providing a brief overview of the major events of the first and second crusades, we talk about the politicization of jihad in the campaigns of Imad ad Din Zengi and Saladin. We discuss how the cultural production of a genre of literature known as fadai'l al quds along with poetry work with theological writings to articulate the experience of the loss of Jerusalem and how that in turn produces a militarization and professionalization of jihad. Finally we discuss the collapse of the Abbasid caliphate, the rise of the Seljuk Empire, and the coming of the Mongol Horde which in turn gives rise to the Turko-Persian world.

Like all religions, Islam took several hundred years to develop its orthodoxy. This episode is dedicated to the history behind how sharia and orthodoxy developed in Islam. We discuss the historical circumstances from the political aspiration of the Abbasids to redefine the caliphate along a divine monarchy lines to the intellectual debates between the Mutazili and the Ash'ari known as the minha. We talk about the emergence of shariah as a counter culture to the courtly lifestyle of the caliphate, the development of the madhhab or the schools of Islamic jurisprudence, the philosophical tradition of cultural Islam, and the rise of popular mysticism in the form of Sufism. We discuss the evolution of Sunnism and Shi'ism and the formations of the concept of the Imamate and "taqiyya." We also talk about the influence of the previous Greek and Persian civilization on the developments of Islam. As usual we end with book recommendations.

In this episode we talk about the end of the Umayyads with the Abbasid revolt, focusing not only on the major battles, but why the Abbasids were successful in overthrowing the Umayyad Caliphate. We discuss how the caliphate changes over time and how the historical circumstances of the Abbasids, geography, and technology shape the new government. We explore the Persian contributions to Islam and how the religion and the caliphate are both shaped by the Sassanian predecessors. Finally we dissect the so-called "golden age" with a discussion about the intellectual development of the Islamic world under the Abbasid regime.

This episode covers the schism betweeen Sunnism and Shi'ism, detailing how historical circumstances and experiences are overlaid with theological significance. Focusing on the experience of the Muslim community during the early fitnas we discuss how political movements about legitimacy and authority shape what later becomes theological stances. This episode details tribulations after the death of Caliph 'Ali and the tragedy at the Battle of Karbala. We also talk about the revolt in Mecca by Ibn al Zubayr and rise of the Umayyad dynasty. We conclude with the nature of Umayyad society; its social hierarchy, the connection to the Byzantine world, and a brief history of the hijab.

Picking up from the death Umar, this podcast explores the evolution of the divisive caliphate of Uthman and the rise of a more dynastic imperial structure. We discuss beginnings of sectarianism in Islam and how it is shaped by geo-political divisions that continue to haunt the nascent Muslim empire. The narrative flows into the assassination of Uthman and the repercussions of his death for the unity of the community. We conclude with the caliphate of 'Ali and the growing civil war threatening to tear the ummah apart.

With the death of Muhammad the nascent religious community faces its first major upheaval. In this podcast we explore how the community of believers fractured and how the question of leadership was dealt with. We take an in depth look at the Ridda Wars or the Wars of Apostasy and the caliphate of Abu Bakr and 'Umar with special attention paid to their legacy and how they shaped the caliphate. We put the events the first caliphs into historical context and explore the crisis of early Islam up to the Muslim conquests.

Unlike other religious figures of the ancient world, Muhammad is born in the full light of history. While there is little doubt he existed, what is known about his life is shrouded by time. This episode we focus on the birth, life, and death of Muhammad the Prophet of Islam and how his historical circumstances shaped his message and his mission. We take a closer look at the community of believers he forges together as a new alliance rejecting the old world order and the impact this has on Arabia.

To understand the rise of Islam, you have to first understand its historical context. In the first official episode of Head On History, Ali talks about the international wars on the eve of Islam known as the Red Sea wars and their connection to a broader imperial struggle between Sassanid Persia and Christian Byzantium. The podcast includes a discussion of the social and religious environment of pre-Islamic Arabia with special attention paid to the diversity of religious practices, the role of women, and social stratification. From the conflict between Jews and Christians to the practices of the Sabaeans and Hanifs, this episode sets the stage for the arrival of Muhammad and his mission.

Welcome to a new podcast presented by Currently Nerdy and hosted by Ali A. Olomi. Head On History will consist of multiple seasons with ten episodes each covering a wide range of historical topics. As your host, I bring my background as a professional historian to the podcast to provide an exciting new show for all the history nerds out there. Whether you are interested in learning more about the past, how we got to where we are today, or are curious, the podcast has something for everyone.