Imaginal Worlds: Ibn Al-'Arabi and the Problem of
Religious Diversity
By: Chittick, William C.
Pub. Date: 01/95
Publisher: SUNY
Binding: Trade Paper, 208pp.
ISBN:079142250X
Our Price: $19.95
Related Texts: Islam
and Sufism, Prophets,
Saints, Sages and Teachers
Publisher
Ibn al'Arabi, known
as the "Greatest Master," is the most influential Muslim
thinker of the past 600 years. This book is an introduction to his
thought concerning the ultimate destiny of human beings, God and the
cosmos, and the reasons for religious diversity. It summarizes many of
Ibn al'Arabi's teachings in a simple manner. The ideas discussed are
explained in detail.
Booknews
Introduces the
thought of al-Arabi (A.D. 1165-1240), perhaps the most influential
Islamic writer, on the ultimate destiny of humans, God, and everything,
and the reasons for religious diversity. Explains his concept of human
perfection, the implications of the World of Imagination, and why God's
wisdom demands diversity. Also suggests how al-Arabi's teachings can be
used in the modern study of world religions. Annotation c. Book News,
Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Table
of Contents
|
Introduction
|
1
|
|
Pt. I
|
Human Perfection
|
|
|
1
|
Oneness of Being
|
15
|
|
2
|
Microcosm, Macrocosm, and Perfect Man
|
31
|
|
3
|
Ethics and Antinomianism
|
39
|
|
4
|
Self-Knowledge and the Original Human Disposition
|
51
|
|
Pt. II
|
Worlds of Imagination
|
|
|
5
|
Revelation and Poetic Imagery
|
67
|
|
6
|
Meetings with Imaginal Men
|
83
|
|
7
|
Death and the Afterlife
|
97
|
|
Pt. III
|
Religious Diversity
|
|
|
8
|
A Myth of Origins
|
123
|
|
9
|
Diversity of Belief
|
137
|
|
10
|
The Divine Roots of Religion
|
161
|
|
Notes
|
177
|
|
Bibliography
|
187
|
|
Index of Sources
|
191
|
|
Index of Koranic Verses
|
195
|
|
Index of Hadiths and Sayings
|
199
|
|
Index of Names and Terms
|
201
|
