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Unique in its historical scope, this fascinating investigation makes a perfect guide for students and for those interested in Islamic mysticism.
An original contribution to Islamic Studies, this is the most up-to-date study of the rise of Persian Sufi spirituality and literature in Islam during the first six Muslim centuries.
This unique collection of twenty-four essays features contributions by such distinguished and internationally recognized specialists as Annemarie Schimmel, S.H. Nasr, Carl Ernst, William Chittick and J.T.P. de Bruijn. Covering the key achievements of the Muslim intellectual and cultural tradition in history, mysticism, philosophy and poetry, it demonstrates the positive role played by Sufi thinkers during this period. The subjects covered include:
¿ Sufi masters and schools
¿ literature and poetry
¿ spiritual chivalry
¿ divine love
¿ Persian Sufi literature: Rumi and 'Attar
Celebrating the richness of the Sufi contribution to Islamic culture and its continuing relevance, this book has been written for students and all those wishing to develop their interest in spirituality and mysticism.
List of contents
1.Introduction 1
2. Literary and Historical Beginnings 19
3. Sufi masters and Schools 59
4. Metaphysics and Hermeutics 199
5. Literature and Poetry 337
6. Divine love, Sainthood, Spiritual Disciplines and Stations 435
7. Spiritual Chivalry and Malamati spirituality 549
About the author
Leonard Lewisohn was Research Associate in Esoteric Traditions in Islam in the Department of Academic Research of the Institute of Ismaili Studies, London. He was the author, editor, and translator of many leading books and articles in the area of Sufism and lectured widely on the subject.
Summary
The first volume in a three-volume set, this is a study of the rise of Persian Sufi spirituality and literature in Islam during the first six Muslim centuries. This collection of 24 essays covers the key achievements of the Muslim intellectual and cultural tradition in history, mysticism, philosophy and poetry. It demonstrates the positive role played by Sufi thinkers during this period. The subjects covered include: Sufi masters and schools; literature and poetry; spiritual chivalry; divine love; Persian Sufi literature - Rumi and 'Attar.
Additional text
"This remarkable tirlogy is likely to remain the definitive work in the field for many years."
