description: Philosophical assessment of abstract and symbolic notions underlying the spiritual visions of the saints is not an easy task. Professor Bhatnagar has admirably done this work. In ten chapters of this treatise he clarifies the mystical experiences and sayings of medieval Muslim saints and examines them from philosophical standpoint. This monograph has its groundings in intensive study of the primary sources in the original like Kashf al-Mahjūb of Al-Hujwīrī, Risāla of Al-Qushayrī, Kitāb al-luma’ of Al-Sarrāj, Kitāb al-ta’ arruf of Kalābādhī and Tadhikirat al-awliyā’ of ‘Attār. Quotations of the saints have been given in original language. Professor Bhatnagar feels that the teachings of the prophet of Islam are best understood by the Sūfīs on account of their mystical experiences gained on the Path of God. According to the author, the chief tenets of medieval Sufism are mahabbat (love for God), ma’rifa (knowledge of God) and al-tawhīd (soul’s unification with God). Besides, this work is an impartial assessment of divergent tarūq (Sūfī sects) and schools of Sūfī thought. In addition, the author has examined the philosophical doctrines of the eminent Sūfīs of India. This substantial treatise on theory and practice of medieval Sūfism written by an Indian scholar of Philosophy and Islamic mysticism is an excellent addition to the existing knowledge of Sūfi thought.
language: English
title: Mystical Vision And Thought In Medieval Sufism
titlecomplete: Mystical Vision And Thought In Medieval Sufism (STUDIES IN ASIAN THOUGHT AND RELIGION)
publisher: Edwin Mellen Pr