Islamic Mysticism and Abu Talib Al-Makki

The Role of the Heart

Saeko Yazaki author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:21st Nov '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Islamic Mysticism and Abu Talib Al-Makki cover

Both in everyday language and religious metaphor, the heart often embodies the true self and is considered to be the seat of emotion in many cultures. Many Muslim thinkers have attempted to clarify the nature of Sufism using its metaphorical image, particularly in the tenth and eleventh centuries.

This book examines the work of Abū Tālib al-Makkī and his wider significance within the Sufi tradition, with a focus on the role of the heart. Analysing his most significant work, Qūt al-qulūb (‘The Nourishment of Hearts’), the author goes beyond an examination of the themes of the book to explore its influence not only in the writing of Sufis, but also of Hanbalī and Jewish scholars.

Providing a comprehensive overview of the world of al-Makkī and presenting extracts from his book on religious characteristics of the heart with selected passages in translation for the first time in English, this book will give readers a better understanding not only of the essential features of Sufism, but also the nature of mysticism and its relation to monotheistic faiths.

Finally, Yazaki has produced a creditable contribution to the history of Islamic thought on a difficult and often enigmatic figure. Her addition (in chaps. three and four) to the still-scarce supply of translations of Abū ālib al-Makkī’s work is laudable and much appreciated, and raises hope that she might make further contributions of this sort. - John Renard, Saint Louis University

ISBN: 9780415671101

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 560g

216 pages