Best of
Islam

1978

Islam and Secularism


Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas - 1978
    The author deals with fundamental problems faced by contemporary Muslims and provides real solutions, beginning with a discussion on ‘The Contemporary Western Christian Background’ in Chapter (I), followed by his analysis of the concepts (which he newly defines) of ‘secular’, ‘secularization’, and ‘secularism’ in Chapter (II). All this is then contrasted in Chapter (IV) of the book entitled ‘Islam: The Concept of Religion and the Foundation of Ethics and Morality’. Based on all the preceding explanation, the author proceeds to analyze the Muslim ‘dilemma’ by declaring that it should be resolved primarily through what he calls the “dewesternization of knowledge” or, conversely, the “islamization of contemporary knowledge”, an original concept conceived and elucidated by the author for the past three decades. Numerous original and profound ideas are contained in this book—arrived at chiefly through critical study of the Muslim tradition—such as the concepts of din,‘adl, hikmah, adab, ma‘na, and ta’dib, and their significance in the development of an Islamic system of education. The rationale for the islamization of contemporary knowledge and the establishment of a truly Islamic university was in fact provided for the first time in contemporary Muslim thought by this author long before the appearance of the present book, which explains these interconnected subjects more concisely. Further, the appendix entitled, ‘On Islamization: The Case of the Malay-Indonesian Archipelago’ is an actual explanation and application of the seminal ideas discussed in the book. This is a must read for all Muslims and those concerned with the problems and effects of secularization in our world today. This book has been translated into most of the major Islamic languages of the world— Turkish, Arabic, Urdu, Indonesian, Bosnian, and Persian.

Learning How to Learn: Psychology and Spirituality in the Sufi Way


Idries Shah - 1978
    This is the ideal introduction to Sufi wisdom.

Studies in Hadith Methodology and Literature


Muhammad Mustafa al-ʿAzami - 1978
    This is a topic-by-topic study about the science of Hadith written to fulfil the needs of modern college students whose medium of instruction is mainly in English.

Mastery through Accomplishment


Hazrat Inayat Khan - 1978
    Accomplishment in worldly affairs is seen as the means of developing the ability to achieve what one wishes, and ultimately to achieve the purpose of life.

Sufis of Andalusia: The "Ruh al-Quds" & "al-Durrat al-Fakhirah"


Ibn Arabi - 1978
    Translated from the Ruh al-Quds and al-Durrat al-Fakhirah with introduction and notes by R.W.J. Austin. These portraits bring to life with great vividness a number of individuals remarkable for the intensity of their devotion and service to reality, and contain many memorable stories which throw light on the pinnacles of spiritual facing as well as difficulties and obstacles encountered on the path.

The Triumphal Sun: A Study of the Works of Jalāloddin Rumi


Annemarie Schimmel - 1978
    Rumi's work forms one of the pillars of the Sufi orders, particularly the Mevlevi order, better known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. In this book Rumi emerges not only as a spiritual master, but also as a fully human being grounded firmly in the Koran and in classical Islamic mysticism.The light of the Divine Sun, in its Beauty and Majesty, manifested itself for Rumi through the person of Shams of Tabriz. Transformed by this light, consumed by this fire, Mowlana Rumi saw the world in a new light. Everywhere he perceived God's Grandeur and his Grace.The book also discusses the theological premises upon which Rumi's work rests, his attitude to the problems of free will and predestination, and his analysis of the mystical stages and stations. The book not only gives a very rich analysis of Rumi's language and poetical art, but also a picture of medieval Konya, whose features the mystical poet transforms and transfigures.

Studies in Early Hadith Literature


Muhammad Mustafa al-ʿAzami - 1978
    In this field Dr Azami has done Pioneer work of the highest value, and he has done it according to the exact standards of scholarship. The thesis which he presented [in this book], and for which Cambridge conferred on him the degree of Ph.D., is in my opinion one of the most exciting and original investigations in this field of modern times.”

An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines


Seyyed Hossein Nasr - 1978
    These figures influenced all the later centuries of Islamic history and in fact created the cosmological framework within which all later scientific activity in the Islamic world was carried out--the enduring image of the cosmos within which Muslims have lived during the past millennium.Nasr writes from within the Islamic tradition and demonstrates how, based on the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet, the figures treated in this work integrated elements drawn from various ancient schools of philosophy and the sciences. This book is unique in its treatment of classical Islamic cosmology as seen from within the Islamic world-view and provides a key for understanding of traditional Islamic thought.

Architecture of the Islamic World: Its History and Social Meaning


George Michell - 1978
    Although Islamic buildings may make an immediate visual impact, it can be useful to know something of the society which they serve. This text relates the architecture to the social areas of religion, power structure, commerce and communal life, placing emphasis on function and meaning rather than on style and chronology.

Ninety-Nine Names of Allah


Shems Friedlander - 1978
    The classic text describing the core mystical teachings and practice of Islam -- accessible to everyone -- in a beautifully designed volume with names, translations, meanings, and meditations.

The Unveiling Of Love: Sufism And The Remembrance Of God


Muzaffer Ozak - 1978
    Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak was the renowned spiritual leader of the Halveti-Jerrahi Order of Dervishes in Istanbul and in the U.S., as well as other countries in the West.For the dervish, passionate and ecstatic adoration for the Divine Beloved illuminates both the heart and the mind. With the help of poems, traditional teaching stories and brief passages from the Koran, Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak unveils the meaning of spiritual affection and explores the relationship between the lover and beloved.Expressly written for a Western audience, The Unveiling of Love presents valuable guidance for those with long experience in Islam and for those who are encountering Sufism and the meaning of spiritual love for the first time.

The Joy of Sacrifice: Secrets of the Sufi Way


E.J. Gold - 1978
    A book which has inspired many since its first publication.

The Gayan: Notes from the Unstruck Music


Hazrat Inayat Khan - 1978
    Inspirational sayings using matters of the world to fuel the alchemy of spiritual transformation.

The Dance of the Soul: Gayan, Vadan, Nirtan (Sufi Sayings): Gayan, Vadan, Nritan (Sufi Sayings)


Hazrat Inayat Khan - 1978
    

The Tales of the Prophets of Al-Kisa'i


Muhammad ibn °Abd Allah Kisa®i - 1978