Title
Early Islamic Mysticism: Sufi, Qur'an, Mi'raj, Poetic and Theological Writings (Classics of Western Spirituality),New
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
In these critical times nothing could be more valuable for the West than a rediscovery of its true spiritual heritage: books which were once the treasures of people, now rare and little known.' Seyyed Hossein Nasr Early Islamic Mysticism: Sufi, Qur'an, Mi'raj, Poetic and Theological Writings translated, edited and with an introduction by Michael A. Sells preface by Carl W. Ernst God is the light of the heavens and earth. The light like the light of a lamp in a niche The lamp enclosed in a cover of glass The glass like a glistening star Kindled from the oil of a blessed tree An olive not of the East not of the West Its oil glows forth nearly without the touch of fire Qur'an 24:35 The first centuries of Islam saw the development of Sufism as one of the world's major mystical traditions. Although the later Sufi writings by mystics such as Rumi are known and available in translation, access to the crucial early period of Islamic mysticism has been far more limited. This volume opens with an essay on the place of spirituality within the Islamic tradition. Immediately following are the foundation texts of the preSufi spirituality: the Qur'an passages most important to the mystical tradition; the accounts of Muhammad's heavenly ascent (Mi'raj); and the crucial work of early poets in setting a poetic sensibility for speaking of union with the divine beloved. The volume then presents the sayings attributed to the key early figures of Islamic spirituality: Ja'far asSaddiq, the Sixth Imam of the Shi'ite Tradition; Rabi'a, the most famous woman saint of classical Islam; Muhasibi, the founder of Islamic moral psychology; Bistami, whose sayings on mystical union have generated fascination and controversy throughout the Islamic tradition; Tustari, a pioneer in the mystical interpretation of the Qur'an; Junayd, who helped place Sufi mysticism at the center of the Islamic tradition; Hallaj, famous for his ecstatic utterances and martyrdom; and Niffari, whose sayings are considered among the deepest mystical expressions within Islam. The sayings of these pioneers are embedded in the later stratum of analytical and synoptic writings of later Sufi thinkers: Sarraj; Sulami; Qushayri; and 'Attar. Extensive portions of these writers are translated into English for the first time.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures six inches in length, one point two six inches in width, and nine point two five inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains four hundred sixteen pages, providing a comprehensive exploration of early Islamic mysticism.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is published in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Michael A. Sells, who also translated and edited the text.
- Q: What category does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the category of Sufism, focusing on early Islamic mystical traditions.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You can read this book like any other; simply open it and start from the first page. It is suitable for anyone interested in spirituality.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners as well as those with a deeper understanding of Islamic mysticism.
- Q: What are the main themes of this book? A: The main themes include Sufism, poetic expressions of spirituality, and early Islamic mystical writings.
- Q: How should I store this book? A: To keep this book in good condition, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Q: Can I clean the book if it gets dirty? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and dirt.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for information on their return policy.
- Q: Is there a warranty for this book? A: There is typically no warranty for books; however, check with the seller for specific return or exchange options.
- Q: How does this book compare to other books on Sufism? A: This book provides unique insights into early Islamic mysticism and includes translations of texts not widely available.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for all ages? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for all ages, especially for those interested in exploring spiritual themes.
- Q: Where can I buy this book? A: You can purchase this book from various online retailers, including major bookstores and e-commerce websites.