The Quran tells us that Love and Mercy are of the Divine Essence. It informs us further that there is a way—a path of spiritual maturation— that allows the heart to awaken to the fullness of Divine Love. It relates the tales of those who followed the path of Love and attained its illuminations; and of those who mistook love of the relative for love of the Absolute, descending the dead end path of transient desires into darkness and distance from the True Beloved. Its verses clarify the method to purify the soul of self-interested love to experience a Love that is selfless, eternal, and transcendent.

The Book of Love is a month long online exploration of the beauty and wisdom of the Quran with a special focus on the Quranic treatment of Love. Taking the great sages of love as our guides (al-Ghazali, Rumi, and others), we will explore what it means to love God, what it means to be God’s beloveds, and the means to attain that love through walking the way of love, outwardly and inwardly. Special attention will be given to the traits and character of the beloved Prophet, peace be upon him, and those saintly ones who follow his way to Love. Rumi famously said that the Quran is a shy bride, who does not unveil herself to every eye—you can only see if you look with a purified heart and the eye of love. The goal of this course is to meditate on the key themes of the Quran, to unveil its deeper meanings as explained by the great saints and sages, and to gain a deeper intimacy with the Book of Love.

The course will consist of daily meditations from the Quran, weekly videos (that can be accessed at your own convenience), written reflections, supplementary readings. There will be ample time for personal written reflections and meditations on specific signs (ayahs) and themes in the Quran; as well as opportunities for discussion and conversation with the group. All are welcome. No matter where you are on earth. The course will be 100% online