Department of Comparative Religion and Mysticism

The Department of Comparative Religion and Mysticism offers an academic program that explores the origins, historical development, and spiritual dimensions of world religions. The program focuses on both revealed and non-revealed traditions, whether major or minor, Eastern or Western, and provides students with analytical tools to examine their teachings and practices fron theoretical and practical perspectives. The Faculty of Theology, Law, and Islamic Studies hosts this program.

Students actively study a wide range of religious traditions, including those of the Far East, Mesopotamia, India, and the Abrahamic faiths, along with their various sects and denominations. A central feature of the curriculum is its emphasis on the mystical and spiritual aspects of all recognized world religions. Learners investigate the beliefs, rituals, and philosophical foundations of religious mysticism, comparing how these elements manifest across different faiths.

The program also includes the study and interpretation of selected mystical texts from Islamic and other major religious traditions in English, Arabic, and Persian. Students engage with sacred writings such as the Qur'an, the Bible, the Torah, the Vedas, and other influential spiritual works, gaining insight into the lived mystical experiences of diverse cultures.

In addition to academic rigor, the program encourages interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding. It helps students approach religious diversity with intellectual openness and respect, fostering a deeper appreciation for the shared and unique elements of global spiritual heritage.

Graduates of the Comparative Religion and Mysticism program are well-prepared for careers in education, research, translation, cultural engagement, and interreligious dialogue. The program also provides a strong foundation for advanced studies in religious studies, philosophy of religion, and mysticism.