The principal theological struggle in Islam has taken place between traditionalist and rationalist theologians. Assessing materials from the 3rd/9th century to the 10th/16th century, Professor Abrahamov focuses on the foundations of both traditionalism and rationalism, the arguments which the two tendencies used against each other and the compromises reached. This is a ground-breaking study by a renowned scholar and writer.

The present work deals with anthropomorphism and interpretation of the Qur'ān in the theology of the Zaidite imam al-Qāsim ibn Ibrāhīm (785-860 A.D.). The edition and annotated translation of al-Qāsim's epistle Kitāb al-mustarshid is preceded by a detailed introduction, which treats early Islamic theology. For the abrogation of the literal meanings of Qur'ānic anthropomorphic expressions, the author uses similes, idioms and phrases in Arabic, pieces of evidence from ancient Arabic poetry and rational arguments which often reflect the Mu'tazilite ways...

The two theories of divine love that are examined in this book have their foundations in Greek, Jewish, Christian and Muslim ideas. Al-Ghazali (twelfth century) was influenced mainly by Plato and Ibn Sina's teachings, while al-Dabbagh (thirteenth century), who accepted some Ghazalian notions, developed a theory of divine love that can be traced back to Neoplatonism. Both scholars created complete theories of divine love that include definitions of love, its causes and signs, the ways to love God, God's love for man, and kinds of love. The book will interest students of theology, philosophy...

"Ibn al-'Arabi and the Sufis" is a fascinating and groundbreaking analysis of the extent to which various major Sufi figures contributed to the mystical philosophy of Ibn al-'Arabi. While recent scholarship has tended to concentrate on his teachings and life, little attention has been paid to the influences on his thought. Each chapter is dedicated to one of Ibn al-'Arabi s predecessors, from both the early and later periods, such as al-Bistami, al-Hallaj, and al-Jilani, showing how he is discussed in the works of the Greatest Master and Ibn al-'Arabi s attitude towards him. This book brings...

Ibn al-Arabi's Fusus al-Hikam is a translation of one of the most important works written on Islamic Mysticism.

Muhyi al-Din Ibn al-Arabi (1165-1240) is deemed the greatest mystic of Islam and his mystical philosophy has attracted the attention of both Muslims and non-Muslims from his time to the present day. Believing that the world is the self- manifestation of God, he claimed that all religions are equal and that the perfect human being is he who knows all the religious phenomena in the world. Fusus al-hikam examines the singular characteristics of twenty seven prophets of...