This very book, ‘THE SOUL IN MOTION’ (2025), tried to grasp the immeasurable motion of the soul from the point of Philosophical Anthropology, giving emphasis on Islam, incorporating Theatre –the performing art discipline. The conceptual design of the book, including a unique methodological approach to deal with the discourse, stands undoubtedly innovative, explorative, and challenging as well. Soul – an immeasurable mystery as well as a reality is to be realized in the spiritual journey of man. This journey leads us towards the Ultimate Truth – the Supreme Power which starts from individual’s soul. Different religious philosophies have their own interpretations of soul which Islam too does have. Soul, being an abstract reality can be pointed out as ‘real’ as it is synthesized through realization. In spirituality, realization is a level, a point where man gets an unambiguous answer of his question, doubt or conflict.

 

‘Theatre’ on the other hand is the re-configuration of life, human behavior and attitude creating deep sense among the viewers in a ‘built space’. The space could be Proscenium or Non-Proscenium
Book Title:
THE SOUL IN MOTION:  PHILOSOPHICAL ANTHROPOLOGY, ISLAMIC AND THEATRE

©

MD MAHEDI TANJIR, SYDUR RAHMAN LIPON, ANDALIB RUBAYAT, 
JAHID SIRAZ CHOWDHURY, ZULKARNAIN HATTA

e-ISBN: 978-629-95092-6-4

Numeric barcode ISBN: 9786299509264

Publisher
TRC Sapphire Publisher


 

Table of Contents

The Soul in Motion

Philosophical Anthropology, Islamic and Theatre

Introduction

Background of the Book

Islamic Teachings on Soul, Self, and Solidarity

Theatre as a Medium for Reflection and Advocacy

Integrating Philosophical Anthropology, Islam, and Theatre

Challenges and Opportunities

Toward a Transformative Framework

References

Chapter One: Foundational Perspective

Introduction

Why This Uneven Concern

The Relevance of Philosophical Anthropology

The Spiritual Dimension in Human Understanding

Islamic Teachings on Soul and Self

Theatre as a Platform for Social Advocacy

The Purpose of Essentializing the Soul and Self

Conclusion

References

Chapter Two: Philosophical Anthropology and Islamic Teachings on Soul and Self

Introduction to Philosophical Anthropology

Theoretical Foundations

Historical Roots and Evolution

Key Concepts: Self, Consciousness, and Moral Agency

Debate Between Individualism and Collectivism

Islamic Perspectives on Soul and Self

Qur’anic Teachings on Nafs and Ruh

Prophetic Traditions on Self-Awareness and Social Justice

Spiritual Growth: Tazkiyah and Its Social Implications

Intersections Between Philosophy and Islam

Ethical Parallels Between Philosophical and Islamic Worldviews

Conclusion

References

Chapter Three: Theatre as a Medium for Social Solidarity and Change

Introduction

Historical Perspectives on Theatre and Social Solidarity

Theoretical Frameworks for Understanding Theatre’s Impact

Case Studies of Theatre Initiatives for Social Change

The Role of Theatre in Promoting Empathy and Understanding

Theatre and Activism

Ethical Considerations in Theatre for Social Change

Impact of Technology on Theatre

Global Case Studies

Theatre of the Oppressed – Brazil

Budhan Theatre – India

The Freedom Theatre – Palestine

ACT Now Theatre – Australia

Community Theatre – Italy

Miunikh–Damaskus Theatre

FESPACO – African Theatre

Diversity and Inclusion in Theatre

Funding and Sustainability

Assessing Effectiveness and Methodologies

Collaborations and Partnerships

Challenges and Limitations

Conclusion

References

Chapter Four: Integration of Philosophical Anthropology, Islamic Teachings, and Theatre

Introduction

Theoretical Frameworks

Bridging Philosophy, Islam, and Performance

Central Themes: Soul, Self, and Solidarity

The Role of Spirituality in Ethical Theatre

Practical Applications

Designing Performances Reflecting Ethical Values

Community Engagement and Participatory Theatre

Workshops for Advocacy, Empathy, and Healing

Case Studies

Amakhosi Theatre, Zimbabwe

Forum Theatre for Social Responsibility

Theatre for Social Critique

Theatre for Social Change in the Modern World

Theatrical Interventions in Human Rights Promotion

Islamic-Inspired Performances for Social Change

Conclusion and Future Directions

References

Chapter Five: The Interplay of Soul, Self, and Human Rights

Key Insights and Contributions

The Transformative Potential of Philosophical Anthropology

Islamic Teachings as a Moral Compass for Theatre

Theatre as a Platform for Solidarity and Justice

Implications for Human Rights and Social Solidarity

Soul and Self as Foundations for Ethical Advocacy

Addressing Marginalization Through Performing Arts

Recommendations and Future Research

Cross-Cultural and Interfaith Approaches

Digital and Virtual Theatre Innovations

Evaluating Long-Term Social Impact

Concluding Thoughts

Zulkarnain Hatta

Zulkarnain Hatta DSW is a renowned Malaysian academic and social work expert with over three decades of experience in teaching, research, and policy consultancy. He currently serves as Professor and Former Dean at Lincoln University College, Malaysia. Holding a Doctor of Social Work (Howard University), his research focuses on displaced populations, Islamic social work, poverty alleviation, and spirituality. He has supervised numerous PhDs, authored many books and articles, and served as a visiting professor in Japan and Indonesia. Prof. Zulkarnain is also a former Vice President of IASSW and President of APASWE, contributing extensively to global social work education

Andalib Rubayat

Andalib Rubayat (AKA Pantha Rahman) is currently working as a senior lecturer in the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh (ULAB). Before joining ULAB, he worked as an adjunct lecturer at the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture at Jahangirnagar University, teaching literature and film to the undergrad students. Now he is a Ph.D. Student of Lincoln University College, Malaysia. He completed his MA from the New York Film Academy (Los Angeles) and has over 10 years of experience working in media productions. His short film "Deceased" was screened at the renowned Warner Bros. Studio. Later, it was screened at 12 international film festivals. His COVID film "Life Was Beautiful" has been screened at 17 international film festivals and won 14 best film awards in different categories. A case video he worked on as director of photography, "The Impossipuzzle Poster," became a finalist at the prestigious Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.

jahid siraz chowdhury

Jahid Siraz Chowdhury, Ph.D., is a researcher and scholar committed to reciprocal knowledge creation, bridging the gap between indigenous wisdom and global legal frameworks. His work critically examines how sociology of knowledge shapes research practices, advocating for a phronetic approach that values practical, ethical, and context driven inquiry. He actively engages with Indigenous knowledge systems, seeking ways to integrate them into international agreements such as the CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity), Nagoya Protocol, and ILO standards, while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Chowdhury highlights the disproportionate impact of mainstream education systems on marginalized students and challenges Eurocentric knowledge production. He champions knowledge democracy, ethical research, and Ihsanic action. His ultimate goal is to redefine research as a reciprocal process, free from regional, religious, or racial biases, ensuring that academic outcomes genuinely benefit communities rather than remaining abstract theories.

Author Md Mahedi Tanjir

Md Mahedi Tanjir is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU), Bangladesh and now he is a PhD student at Lincoln University College, Malaysia, A distinguished theatre academic, director, and researcher, he specializes in performance theory, actor training, and cultural studies. His extensive body of work includes directing numerous theatrical productions and designing stage performances. His research explores themes such as ritual practices in theatre, globalization in performance, and the representation of women in traditional folk theatre. Mahedi has published extensively in reputed theatre and performance journals and has participated in numerous national and international theatre festivals, in Spain, South Korea, and India. He is also an experienced filmmaker. His academic and artistic pursuits aim to understand the philosophy and the spirituality of performance and bridge traditional performance practices with contemporary theatre discourse.

Sydur Rahman Lipon

Sydur Rahman Lipon Ph.D is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Theatre at Tagore University of Creative Arts, Dhaka. He specializes in ethnological and folk theatre, applied theatre, and performance studies. With a Ph.D. from the University of Dhaka, his research explores indigenous theatrical traditions of Bangladesh. Dr. Rahman has worked with UNESCO as a cultural heritage researcher and has directed numerous theatrical productions. His work spans academia, consultancy, and facilitation in theatre education and development, contributing extensively to research and publications in performing arts.

Soul Theatre Anthropology Sufism

Policies and ethics