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Islam, Christianity and the Mystic Journey: A Comparative Exploration

Online ISBN:
9780748653263
Print ISBN:
9780748640829
Publisher:
Edinburgh University Press
Book

Islam, Christianity and the Mystic Journey: A Comparative Exploration

Published online:
22 March 2012
Published in print:
30 April 2011
Online ISBN:
9780748653263
Print ISBN:
9780748640829
Publisher:
Edinburgh University Press

Abstract

This comparison of Islamic and Christian mysticism focuses on the mystic journey in the two faith traditions — the journey that every believer must make and which leads to the Divine. The author clears away misconceptions and highlights similarities and differences in the thought and lives of six key mystics, three Islamic — Al-Kalabadhi, Al-Daylami, Al-Qushayri — and three Christian: Julian of Norwich, Thomas A. Kempis, and Teresa of Avila. He considers the ways of Perfection on the Mystic Path and asks in what ways these authors have embarked on the mystic journey. The author looks at the themes they have in common, as well as their differences, and asks how they envisage the concept of ‘union’ with the Deity. Readers will gain a broad understanding of the interdisciplinary and intertextual nature of the subject, as well as its diverse intellectual and historical contexts. The book surveys themes as diverse as secular chivalry and union with the Divine; examines the role of al-Khidr/al-Khadir/Elijah/Elias/St George in both the Islamic and Christian mystical traditions; and considers the negative and positive articulations of each tradition. It is a companion volume to Islam, Christianity and Tradition: A Comparative Exploration by Ian R. Netton.

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