Studies in Islamic Mysticism

R. A. Nicholson

ISBN 10: 0521058368 / ISBN 13: 9780521058360

Published by Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1979

About this Item

Book in good condition. Cover, pages, binding - firm and intact. Previous owner name written at top of inside cover page, all other pages are clean. Dust jacket - has some scuffing wear and light marks.
Mysticism is such a vital element in Islam that without some understanding of its ideas and of the particular forms which they assume it is hard to penetrate below the surface of Muslim religious life. In this book, which was first published in 1921, Professor Nicholson examines the life, work and teaching of three of the most important of the early Súfís - the Persians Abú Sa'íd (937-1049) and Al-Jílí (1365-1406), and the Cairene Arab Ibnu l-Fárid (1182-1235). These great mystics were almost legendary figures; possessors of occult and mysterious powers, whose tombs became holy shrines. They were regarded in effect as saints, but saints canonised by the people while still living, not posthumously by the church. Súfism, as Professor Nicholson suggests, lies at the heart both of the religious philosophy and the popular religion of Islam.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1772265464742

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Studies in Islamic Mysticism
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
• Publication Date: 1979
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521058368
• ISBN 13: 9780521058360
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Weight: 515 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Religion
  • Non Fiction

About this title

Synopsis

Mysticism is such a vital element in Islam that without some understanding of its ideas and of the particular forms which they assume it is hard to penetrate below the surface of Muslim religious life. In this book, which was first published in 1921, Professor Nicholson examines the life, work and teaching of three of the most important of the early Súfís - the Persians Abú Sa'íd (937–1049) and Al-Jílí (1365–1406), and the Cairene Arab Ibnu l-Fárid (1182–1235). These great mystics were almost legendary figures; possessors of occult and mysterious powers, whose tombs became holy shrines. They were regarded in effect as saints, but saints canonised by the people while still living, not posthumously by the church. Súfism, as Professor Nicholson suggests, lies at the heart both of the religious philosophy and the popular religion of Islam.

Book Description

Professor Nicholson examines the life, work and teaching of three of the most important of the early Súfís. These great mystics were almost legendary figures whose tombs became holy shrines. Súfism, as Professor Nicholson suggests, lies at the heart both of the religious philosophy and the popular religion of Islam.