The Subtleties of the Ascension: Lata'if al-Miraj: Early Mystical Sayings on Muhammad's Heavenly Journey (The Fons Vitae Sulami series) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1887752781 ISBN 13: 9781887752787

Publisher: Fons Vitae, 2006

Synopsis

The story of Muhammad's Night Journey and Ascension, in which the Prophet travels from Mecca to Jerusalem to Heaven and back in the course of a single night, has enchanted Muslim audiences for centuries; but for the Sufi mystics, the tale took on a special significance, becoming a fulcrum for their teachings. This book includes a never-before-published translation of first-millenium Sufi writings on the Ascension, an extensive annotation and commentary, an edition of the original Arabic text, and an appendix containing invaluable material for the specialist. Finally, beautiful color plates of relevant Persian miniatures and Quranic manuscripts add rich visual accompaniments. The work will appeal to both a general audience and specialists interested in mysticism, Sufism, otherworldly journeys, medieval folklore, and Islamic studies.

About this title

About the Author:

Frederick S. Colby is an assistant professor of Islamic studies and comparative religion at Miami University–Oxford. He lives in Oxford, Ohio.

Review:

"This book features lucid translations and subtle analysis and is recommended with heart and soul to students of Islamic studies, Sufism, and all who aspire to the Divine Presence in the fashion of the blessed Prophet of Islam." —Omid Safi, professor, Colgate University

"An important document of early Islamic spirituality, revealing the rich tradition of mystical interpretation of the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad, this translation will be an important resource for Islamic studies, comparative religion, and mysticism." —Carl Ernst, professor, University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill

About this edition

• Publisher: Fons Vitae
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 1887752781
• ISBN 13: 9781887752787
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232