Bridget Drager

Thesis Title: Shifting Trends in Afghan Music: From Afghanistan to Exile

MEI: How did the dual degree help to shape your career path /academic interests? 

BD: Initially, when I began the dual master’s degree program, I intended to pursue work in the nonprofit sector after graduation, but was open to the idea of pursuing a PhD and staying in academia. One of the many things I learned from my classes both at Columbia and Aga Khan was that the more I learned about Islam, the more I realized I actually knew very little. The courses I took laid the foundation for further research and questioning, and helped me develop methodologies to apply to gaps I was seeing in particular areas of study. The more I immersed myself in learning, which extended beyond the classroom and brought me to places like a Qaderi dargah in Istanbul or delicious meals in Cairo discussing feminisms in Islamic jurisprudence with a truly thoughtful scholar in her beautiful home, it became obvious to me that pursuing education is a daily action that for me in no way ends with completing a degree (or two). As I kept chipping away at my thesis, I began developing research questions in other areas of Islamic studies, pouring over articles, academic books, and of course the Qur’an and hadith. Although I’m extremely proud of myself for getting accepted into a wonderful PhD program, I am acutely aware that it was a team effort that ultimately resulted in my acceptance. I’m so happy to finally be at a stage in my life where I am pursuing exactly what I want and have the tools and abilities and resources to do so. None of this would have been possible for me without the dedication of everyone at Columbia and Aga Khan. 

MEI: Do you have any advice for current or prospective students?

BD: Pursue topics that you’re passionate about, topics that keep you up at night because you’re so excited about them. Choose classes that relate to your research interests, talk to professors and ask their advice, and go beyond the required readings. Read the suggested articles. You’ll never look back at this time and regret learning above and beyond what was expected of you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem “basic.” Chances are, other people have the same questions, and are too shy to ask. The important thing is that if you don’t understand a concept, there is someone there who does, who wants to teach it to you, and that’s a beautiful gift you want to take advantage of. Finally, enjoy the journey. 

MEI: What person, course, or experience most influenced you while completing the dual degree? 

BD: Well, for me I was fortunate to have so many courses that helped shape my thinking. As I wrote my thesis on Afghan music in exile, I have to first thank Dr. Quinn Clark at Columbia for his Sufism in South Asia class. This is where I, admittedly, first was exposed to the rich diversity of Sufism and particularly various ways in which dhikr is performed. As a dedicated musician myself, I was quite moved by the musicality often found within Sufi tariqas, and without this class my thesis simply would not exist in the form it does now. Another course that was just jaw-droppingly amazing to me was Paths in Sufism at Aga Khan with Dr. Walid Ghali. He just has this incredible, innate ability to break down extremely complex concepts into stunningly beautiful and easy to understand notions. Although Sufism in South Asia laid the groundwork for my thesis, Paths in Sufism solidified my passion, and perhaps even more importantly, showed me in a very deep and meaningful way that I was not done with academia but instead, just getting started. Of course many other classes and professors transformed not only my learning but in so doing, also transformed who I am as a person. Specifically, Dr. Sevgi Adak’s class Gender & Sexuality in the Middle East at Aga Khan greatly enhanced my knowledge and interest in women’s studies and highlighted to me the importance of being a woman in Islamic studies and academia in general. The courses that mattered the most to me do not stand in isolation, but intersect and create a larger landscape of themes and ideas that are constantly interacting with one another. It was only through a combination of courses that I was able to create a thoughtful PhD proposal on a topic very close to my heart, which thankfully was enough to get me accepted into the program of my dreams. My sincerest hope is that the research I pursue and any successes I may have in the future will positively reflect how extraordinary the dual degree program at Columbia and Aga Khan really is. My other sincere hope is that current and future students in this program grow and succeed and continue to push boundaries and shape and reshape Islamic studies. It’s an exquisite field to be immersed in, and to me, there’s just nothing better in the world and I can’t imagine doing anything else.