The Elixir of the Gnostics: A parallel English-Arabic text (Brigham Young University - Islamic Translation Series)

Description

Sadr al-Din Muhammad Shirazi (1572-1640), more commonly called Mulla Sadra, was one of the grand scholars of later-period Islamic philosophy and has grown to become one of the best-known Muslim philosophers. Iksir al-'arifin , or Elixir of the Gnostics , is unique among Sadra's writings in that it reworks and amplifies an earlier Persian work, the Jawidan-nama ( Book of the Everlasting ) by Afdal al-Din Kashani, or Baba Afdal. The underlying theme of Sadra's amplification is emblematic of Muslim philosophy: the importance of self-knowledge in an individual's journey of "Origin and Return," the soul's origins with God and its eventual return to Him. Everything, Sadra says, is on such a path, gradually disengaging from the material world and returning to a transcendent essence—all leading to a final fruition in which everything in the universe returns to God and finds permanent happiness. Philosophy, Sadra argues, is the most direct means to self-knowledge—and thus the best tool for navigating this journey. Review: Philosophy - Like. Used for my research. Review: This is some of the best Islamic philsophy - This book is presented beautifully with the side by side English and Arabic Text. The print is beautiful, and for pure aesthetic value Chittick has put together a masterpiece. This is Islam at its best and a chance to peer into the minds of one of Islams most enligthened and undervalued philosophers. Sadras Falsafah has largely been eclisped by the works of the greats but many scholars of Islam are beginning to explore his work in earnest.. Treat yourself or one you love to this great book.