Studies in Islamic Mysticism (Volume II) - 9780415760157

First published in 1998. The following essays conclude a series of five, which fall into two groups and are therefore published in separate volumes. While mysticism, save for a few casual references, found no place in the studies on the Lubdbu 'l-Albdb of 'Awff and the Luzumiyydt of Abu '1-'Ala al-Ma'arri, in these now brought together it has taken entire possession of the field. Ibnu 'l-Farid, indeed, is an exquisite poet; and the picture of Abu Sa'id ibn Abi '1-Khayr, drawn by pious faith and coloured with legendary romance, may be looked upon as a work of art in its way. But on the whole the literary interest of the present volume is subordinate to the religious and philosophical. The author has tried to make the reader acquainted with three Sufis famous in the East and worthy of being known in Europe.