#13 Islam, Empathy, and Coaching: Dr. Rose Aslan on Unity and Misinterpretation in Religion

In this powerful episode, Christi Byerly, MCC, dives deep with Dr. Rose Aslan, a renowned scholar of Islam and a passionate advocate for compassion and social justice. Dr. Aslan shares her unique spiritual perspective, emphasizing the inherent beauty and unity within all religions. She discusses the misinterpretations of sacred texts and the patriarchal influences that often distort religious teachings. Through her insightful reflections, Dr. Aslan envisions a society where compassion and empathy are paramount, drawing parallels between Islamic principles and the egalitarian models found in Scandinavian countries. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of spirituality, justice, and the transformative power of kindness.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Aslan views God as an intimate presence, not distant or separate from us, underscoring the personal and accessible nature of spirituality.
• She imagines an ideal Islamic society akin to Scandinavian models, where community welfare and poverty elimination are prioritized.
• The importance of grassroots efforts in fostering compassionate communities and raising empathetic children is highlighted.
• Dr. Aslan addresses the patriarchal interpretations of Islam, advocating for a progressive and inclusive understanding of the faith.
• She emphasises that all religions share common ground and are often misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary divisions.

Our Guest:

Dr. Rose Aslan is a ICF certified transformational life and group coach, breathwork facilitator, podcaster, writer, and storyteller. As the founder of Compassion Flow Coaching, she works with spiritually oriented women to help them get unstuck in their lives, find a work-life balance, learn tools for embodiment, and bring more joy into their lives along with healthy boundaries and understanding of themselves.

After recognising that she was in a state of constant burnout and imbalance, she decided to quit her job as an associate professor of Islamic and religious studies in California. She now resides in Istanbul with her 10-year-old son and two cats. She enjoys living a slow life full of rich experiences and intentional presence.

Check out her website

Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook

Her podcast: Rahma with Rose

 

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