Imam 'Ali
Imam 'Ali

Author: Reza Shah-Kazemi

Publisher: I.I.S. Occasional Papers

Published: 2022-03-30

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781784539368

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'Ali ibn Abi Talib is unparalleled in Islam. He was the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, the first Shi'i Imam and the fourth of the Rashidun Caliphs. Sunni and Shi'i Muslims alike hold 'Ali in the highest regard owing to his status as a spiritual teacher and his strength as a warrior. According to the mystical tradition of Islam, 'Ali is the embodiment of 'the perfect human being' (al-insan al-kamil). Reza Shah-Kazemi here draws on the insights of the Sufi masters Ibn 'Arabi and Rumi to look beyond the biographical details of 'Ali's life to reflect on the spiritual significance of his actions and teachings. In the spirit of ta'wil or esoteric interpretation, the author identifies how 'Ali's inner spiritual principles can be regarded as transcending the boundaries of time, space, religion and culture. For Shah-Kazemi, it is this mystical interpretation of 'Ali that invites a new, much deeper understanding of his personality and contemporary relevance, outside the confines of history. The book offers vivid examples of 'Ali's conduct and persona--on the battlefield, from the pulpit of the mosque, and in his private teachings to the mystics--exploring the ways in which his actions embodied his principles. An accessible and concise guide, this book is relevant to all those with an interest in the life of 'Ali, Islamic spirituality, religious practice, and the philosophy of religion.

Imam 'Ali From Concise History to Timeless Mystery
Imam 'Ali From Concise History to Timeless Mystery

Author: Reza Shah-Kazemi

Publisher:

Published: 2019-06-03

Total Pages: 194

ISBN-13: 9781908092182

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The life of 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, fourth caliph of early Islam and fountainhead of Shi'ite and Sufi lineages, 'is both inspirational and controversial: intrinsically inspirational and extrinsically controversial.' These words set the tone for what is an detailed and penetrating view of the figure of Imam 'Ali on various planes, the spiritual and ethical, the individual, the political and social. The author draws a unique portrait in which the powerful spiritual undercurrents of early Islamic history can be discerned at play, and where the sanctified heart of the Imam is revealed as a fulcrum of the harmony between the most diverse and even divergent tendencies. These spiritual reflections on the life and thought of Imam 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, bring to life what is essential and inspirational in his biography. 'Ali is viewed as the paragon of statesmanship, chivalry and mysticism, a man of action and contemplation, the greatest hero of his age as well as its wisest sage. The interplay between his dramatic outward story and his profound inner story heralds the triumph of the human spirit over the difficulties, tragedies and absurdities which are inevitable in 'the life of this world.' This exceptional book may be too Shia for some Sunnis, and too Sunni for some Shia, and it may be too political for some, and too spiritual for others, and so its main value lies precisely in a higher perspective where it reveals harmony, in a keen vision of the forces of tawhid, the drive to union, alive at the centre of historical events as in human hearts. It will have a cathartic effect upon the many, Sunnis and Shia alike, who wish to see 'Ali as a fountainhead of unity in Islam, not as a source of division. It makes accessible to both Muslims and non-Muslims the treasures of loving mercy flowing from 'Ali, a global paragon of initiatic wisdom.

The Spirit of Tolerance in Islam
The Spirit of Tolerance in Islam

Author: Reza Shah-Kazemi

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-01-27

Total Pages: 176

ISBN-13: 0857735276

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In 1932, the eminent British scholar of Islam, Sir Hamilton Gibb, wrote: "The nobility and broad tolerance of this religion [Islam], which accepted all the real religions of the world as God-inspired, will always be a glorious heritage for mankind. No other society has such a record of success in uniting, in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavor, so many and so various races of humanity." (Whither Islam?) Such scholarly objectivity towards the tolerance which has historically characterized the Islamic tradition as a whole is in short supply these days. Through an insidious symbiosis of fanatical Muslims and prejudiced Islamophobes, the very opposite image of Islam has emerged as one of the most dangerous stereotypes of our times. The most cursory glance at history will not only reveal the falsity of this stereotype of an intolerant Islam, it will also reveal the little known fact that, not so long ago, it was the Islamic world that provided models of tolerant conduct for a fanatically intolerant Christian world tearing itself apart over dogmatic differences. The first part of this monograph examines the historical record of tolerance in the Islamic tradition, illustrating the expression of the principle of tolerance through the rule of such dynasties as the Ottomans, Mughals, Fatimids, and the Umayyads of Spain. In the second, the principle of tolerance is shown to be rooted in the spirit of the Qur'anic revelation and embodied in the exemplary conduct of the Prophet.

The Martyrs of Karbala
The Martyrs of Karbala

Author: Kamran Scot Aghaie

Publisher: University of Washington Press

Published: 2011-12-01

Total Pages: 248

ISBN-13: 029580078X

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This innovative study examines patterns of change in Shi’i symbols and rituals over the past two centuries to reveal how modernization has influenced the societal, political, and religious culture of Iran. Shi’is, who support the Prophet Mohammad’s progeny as his successors in opposition to the Sunni caliphate tradition, make up 10 to 15 percent of the world’s Muslim population, roughly half of whom live in Iran. Throughout the early history of the Islamic Middle East, the Sunnis have been associated with the state and the ruling elite, while Shi’is have most often represented the political opposition and have had broad appeal among the masses. Moharram symbols and rituals commemorate the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, in which the Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Hoseyn and most of his family and supporters were massacred by the troops of the Umayyad caliph Yazid. Moharram symbols and rituals are among the most pervasive and popular aspects of Iranian culture and society. This book traces patterns of continuity and change of Moharran symbols and rituals in three aspects of Iranian life: the importance of these rituals in promoting social bonds, status, identities, and ideals; ways in which the three major successive regimes (Qujars, Pahlavis, and the Islamic Republic), have either used these rituals to promote their legitimacy, or have suppressed them because they viewed them as a potential political threat; and the uses of Moharram symbolism by opposition groups interested in overthrowing the regime. While the patterns of government patronage have been radically discontinuous over the past two centuries, the roles of these rituals in popular society and culture have been relatively continuous or have evolved independently of the state. The political uses of modern-day rituals and the enduring symbolism of the Karbala narratives continue today.

The Prophet's Heir
The Prophet's Heir

Author: Hassan Abbas

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 2021-02-23

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 0300252056

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The life and legacy of one of Mohammad’s closest confidants and Islam’s patron saint: Ali ibn Abi Talib Ali ibn Abi Talib is arguably the single most important spiritual and intellectual authority in Islam after prophet Mohammad. Through his teachings and leadership as fourth caliph, Ali nourished Islam. But Muslims are divided on whether he was supposed to be Mohammad’s political successor—and he continues to be a polarizing figure in Islamic history. Hassan Abbas provides a nuanced, compelling portrait of this towering yet divisive figure and the origins of sectarian division within Islam. Abbas reveals how, after Mohammad, Ali assumed the spiritual mantle of Islam to spearhead the movement that the prophet had led. While Ali’s teachings about wisdom, justice, and selflessness continue to be cherished by both Shia and Sunni Muslims, his pluralist ideas have been buried under sectarian agendas and power politics. Today, Abbas argues, Ali’s legacy and message stands against that of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Taliban.

The Sayings and Wisdom of Imam Ali
The Sayings and Wisdom of Imam Ali

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2018-12-10

Total Pages: 188

ISBN-13: 9781928329077

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The sayings and wisdom of Imam `Ali transcend superficial differences, to reveal everlasting truths that can only serve to guide and illuminate the seeker and traveler on his or her journey through life, as clearly, constantly, and unerringly as the Pole Star.

Ali
Ali

Author: Jalal Moughania

Publisher: Mainstay Foundation

Published: 2021-04-27

Total Pages: 246

ISBN-13: 9781943393060

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This historical narrative of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, tells the tale of his timeless character that transcends history, religions, and nations. From before his birth to the final moments of his life, Ali's story renews within us the hope we all need. The lessons of his life's journey illuminate a deeper understanding of what it means to endure the darkest times, to persevere, and to rise to a purpose greater than ourselves. Embodying the definition of patience itself, Ali is the compass, the lighthouse, to guide us in navigating the world around us, and the universe within. The gateway to God's beloved Muhammad, Ali is the answer to the wandering heart and the seeker of all that is true. Ali, is 'the elixir of love'.

Rumi - Past and Present, East and West
Rumi - Past and Present, East and West

Author: Franklin D. Lewis

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2014-10-01

Total Pages: 712

ISBN-13: 1780747373

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The definitive study of the world's bestselling poet Drawing on a vast array of sources, from writings of the poet himself to the latest scholarly literature, this new anniversary edition of the award-winning work examines the background, the legacy, and the continuing significance of Jalâl al-Din Rumi, today’s bestselling poet in the United States. With new translations of over fifty of Rumi’s poems and including never before seen prose, this landmark study celebrates the astounding appeal of Rumi, still as strong as ever, 800 years after his birth.

The Quran and the Secular Mind
The Quran and the Secular Mind

Author: Shabbir Akhtar

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2007-10-31

Total Pages: 411

ISBN-13: 1134072562

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This book is concerned with the rationality and plausibility of the Muslim faith and the Qur'an, and in particular how they can be interrogated and understood through Western analytical philosophy. It also explores how Islam can successfully engage with the challenges posed by secular thinking. The Quran and the Secular Mind will be of interest to students and scholars of Islamic philosophy, philosophy of religion, Middle East studies, and political Islam.

Lantern of the Path
Lantern of the Path

Author: Imam Ja'Far Al-Sadiq

Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

Published: 2015-11-11

Total Pages: 32

ISBN-13: 9781519223425

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A collection of Hadith by the 6th Imam on knowledge, behavior, remembrance, prayer, and fear of God.This book is one of the many Islamic publications distributed by Ahlulbayt Organization throughout the world in different languages with the aim of conveying the message of Islam to the people of the world. Ahlulbayt Organization (www.shia.es) is a registered Organization that operates and is sustained through collaborative efforts of volunteers in many countries around the world, and it welcomes your involvement and support. Its objectives are numerous, yet its main goal is to spread the truth about the Islamic faith in general and the Shi`a School of Thought in particular due to the latter being misrepresented, misunderstood and its tenets often assaulted by many ignorant folks, Muslims and non-Muslims. Organization's purpose is to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge through a global medium, the Internet, to locations where such resources are not commonly or easily accessible or are resented, resisted and fought! In addition, For a complete list of our published books please refer to our website (www.shia.es) or send us an email to [email protected]