Reflections

Episode 13: Dr. SH Nasr

It’s a true honor to have Seyyed Hossein Nasr as my guest on ‘Reflections’. Dr. Nasr is one of the most influential Muslim scholars in the world. He is a rare polymath, whose vast body of work covers the most important areas of contemporary thought from classical philosophy, sacred art, Islamic science, Sufism, and critique of modernity to interfaith relations and the environment. In this interview he discusses the significance of the current pandemic, the roots and implications of the ecological crisis, and the need for sacred and traditional music in our world. An eloquent lecturer and author of over 60 books and several hundred articles that have been translated into all major languages, Dr. Nasr is currently University Professor of Islamic Studies at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. The quest for knowledge that — to quote him — “liberates and delivers from the fetters and limitations of earthly existence” — continues to be the central concern of Dr. Nasr’s intellectual life.

Episode 12: Ibrahim Kalin

It’s a pleasure to welcome Ibrahim Kalin to Reflections. Ibrahim Kalin currently serves as the presidential spokesperson and special adviser to the President of Turkey. He is a prolific writer, a renowned scholar of Islamic studies and comparative philosophy, and an accomplished musician. In this wide-ranging interview he shares his thought-provoking insights on metaphysics, music, and finding much-needed balance in our lives. Watch Ibrahim Kalin’s single ‘Çırpınıp İçinde Döndüğüm Deniz’ here https://youtu.be/QP5M79NF6n8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP5M79NF6n8]

Episode 11: Aled Jones

Joining me on Reflections is the legendary Welsh singer, Aled Jones. Aled became a household name across Britain and beyond as a boy in the mid-80s when he released his angelic song, ‘Walking in the Air’ from the movie ‘The Snowman’. He has gone on to have a brilliant career not only as a great vocalist — with over 40 albums to date and many highly successful world tours — but as a broadcaster known for his television and radio programmes including ‘Songs of Praise’ on the BBC and his shows on ITV and Classic FM to name just a few. In addition Aled’s talent for acting has landed him several roles in television, movies, and on the stage. With all that being said, I personally am delighted to have gotten to know Aled as a humble, thoughtful, and sincere human. Recently I had the pleasure to record a duet with him for his just released album ‘Blessings’ which also features Dame Judi Dench and Susan Boyle among others. Today we’re going to talk about the album, about his life in music, and so much more. Get Aled’s new album ‘Blessings’ here http://aledjones.lnk.to/blessings [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=http%3A%2F%2Faledjones.lnk.to%2Fblessings&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazh3TGV5Ymk1MmN6RzhpUzQzTGFGTUc2RjBFQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaG1qbU5yVWlaUkQ3ZXlFOFQzSjljUVlPdy1YTWNUaFFtazhmd1hNZGw0c2FsUzY2aVdZLThoZVBFRGNjWHpBYkNHUlA3RDl1M05OaHlrU196ZTJwQ1oxUm5INVpkaFpTT2o4TjJueVVfT2dNcGZ0bw%3D%3D&event=video_description&v=NhY5-2nA3cU]— Classic FM – UK Digital Radio Station https://www.classicfm.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.classicfm.com%2F&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWtsZEZvcHNqWklmaENtXzNCT2lUMkFfa2FsZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsbHRTN3lfNHBkUmpsYTA0ODZETFBTRGVNaW9jUHJXSWlza3FSNkpXTjlMWDhGU3VPaHBVdVFNMWVzSmxQRXNUcDlEanlVZU1GanJURFZ0X0VBSXBsLVRPS3JKMUhJRDAyTlByQm5jNVlsTENiQ2pqaw%3D%3D&event=video_description&v=NhY5-2nA3cU]Everyday Blessings: Inspirational Words of Comfort and Hope by Aled Jones https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everyday-Blessings-Inspirational-words-comfort/dp/1473682746 [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everyday-Blessings-Inspirational-words-comfort/dp/1473682746]‘Walking in the Air – Aled Jones Sings With His Younger Self’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=engSQve1CKU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=engSQve1CKU]BBC programme Songs of Praise https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006ttc5 [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006ttc5]

Episode 10: Rabbi David Rosen

Born in the UK and based in Jerusalem, Rabbi Rosen was granted a papal Knighthood in 2005 for his contribution to Jewish-Catholic reconciliation and in 2010 made a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II for his work promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation. He was the former Chief Rabbi of Ireland, and is currently the International Director of Interreligious Affairs of AJC, the American Jewish Committee, as well as a leading figure in several prominent interreligious dialogue organizations. FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://www.rabbidavidrosen.net/ [https://www.rabbidavidrosen.net/]

Episode 9: Dr Joseph Lumbard

Dr Joseph E B Lumbard is an Associate Professor in the Arabic Studies Department of the American University of Sharjah and a former adviser on interfaith affairs to the Jordanian Royal Court. Among his recent publications is the unparalleled and comprehensive work, The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary, for which he was a general editor and author. We’re releasing this podcast during the holy month of Ramadan as our conversation focuses primarily on The Study Quran. It’s a nearly 2,000-page work that gives a comprehensive picture of how this sacred book has been read by Muslims for over 1,400 years. The Study Quran has been described as ‘monumental’, ‘magisterial’, and ‘a huge and significant scholarly undertaking’. We begin with Joseph Lumbard speaking about his experience working on this impressive project. To learn more about his publications visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-E.-B.-Lumbard/e/B0034PMESY [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Joseph-E.-B.-Lumbard/e/B0034PMESY]