This volume includes a fully annotated English translation and critical edition of the Arabic text of the Kitb al-尪Al蘋m wal-ghulm (The Book of the Master and the Disciple), one of the earliest Ismaili Shi尪i writings, by the famous fourth/tenth century Yemeni author Ja尪far b. Man廜贖r al-Yaman.
In addition to being a key source for pre-Fatimid Ismaili thought and history, this work is uniquely important as the most elaborate example of the narrated dialogue form in Arabic literature. The work also vividly illustrates the processes by which early esoteric Shi尪i ideas and institutions eventually contributed to the evolution of more familiar forms of Sufism in the Muslim world.
Finally, the authors reputation as a master of 喧硃尨滄蘋梭The elucidation of the inner or esoteric meaning, b廜虹n , from the literal wording or apparent meaning of a text, ritual or religious prescription. (esoteric interpretation of the Qur尨an) is reflected in the complex integration and existential elaboration of Qur尨anic themes illustrated throughout this dialogue a distinctive feature which makes this book of wider interest to students of Islamic studies and comparative religions.
Preface
Introduction
I. General Presentation
II. The Historical Significance of the Kitb al-尪Al蘋m wal-ghulm A. The Literary Form of the Text
B. Sufism and Esoteric Shi尪ism
C. Early Ismailism and the pre-Fatimid Da尪wa
D. Later Musta尪li Ismailism
III. Ja尪far b. Man廜贖r al-Yaman and His Writings
IV. Reading a Quranic Dialogue
V. Manuscripts and Edition
Notes to the Introduction
The Book of the Master and the Disciple (English Translation)
Notes to the Translation
Bibliography
Index to English Parts
Kitb al-尪Al蘋m wal-ghulm (Arabic Text and Indices)
…a unique source for pre-Fatimid thought and history…
V.L., Middle East Journal
James W. Morris is currently Professor and Chair of Islamic Studies at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University and has published widely on many areas of Islamic religious thought and practice. His books include The Wisdom of the Throne: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mulla Sadra (1981), Ibn 尪Arab蘋: The Meccan Illuminations (co-author, I989), Orientations: Islamic Thought in a World Civilisation (2001) and Spiritual Practice and Discernment: Ibn 尪Arabi on Spirituality in Everyday Ljfe (2001).