S2 E2 Muslim Footprints: Seeing Religion: Islam and the Devotional Object with Richard McGregor

It’s great to see you again and we hope you enjoyed the start of Season 2! Our second episode features Richard McGregor, Professor of Religious Studies and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Vanderbilt University. The episode focuses on his work around material objects in islam. We explore the significance of objects in Islamic religious practices, including a study of the Mahmal and the role it played for 700 years in the Hajj ritual. Professor McGregor discusses how objects serve as powerful symbols of devotion and community, and how their historical and cultural contexts shape their meanings. The conversation also addresses the evolution of relics, opposition to devotional objects in modern times, and the power of museums in shaping how religious material culture is preserved and experienced. The episode concludes with a discussion about why broadening our understanding of religion to encompass its material and spiritual dimensions matters. 00:00 Introduction 03:07 The Mahmal: A Historical Perspective 09:03 The Role of the Kiswah and Political Symbolism 18:05 Relics and Their Significance in Islam 21:02 The Kaaba: Centrality in Islamic Pilgrimage 26:45 The Fatimid Dynasty and Relic Culture 29:55 Modern Challenges to Devotional Objects 33:11 The Role of Inscriptions and Banners 38:52 Community Practices and Interfaith Parades 48:13 The Modern Museum and Secularization of Sacred Objects 50:50 The Future of Devotional Practices We’d love to hear what you think about our new-look Season 2! Leave us a comment below! And follow us for more: @ootprints/ @/muslim-footprints @intsPod @.php @Footprints @footprints