Aisha al-Ba'uniyya: A Life in Praise of Love

Aisha al-Ba‘uniyya (c.1456–1517) was a prolific Arab poet and Sufi master who composed over twenty works and is considered one of the greatest women mystics in Islamic history. This book is the first full-scale biography of al-Ba‘uniyya in the English language and provides a rare glimpse into her life and writings. It examines her work in the wider context of late-medieval Islamic spirituality and emphasizes the role of the Prophet Muhammad in her spirituality.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 176 pages
\n Publication date: 04 July 2019
\n Publisher: Oneworld Publications
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Aisha al-Ba‘uniyya, a renowned Sufi master and Arab poet who lived from approximately 1456 to 1517, holds a remarkable place in Islamic history as one of the most influential women mystics. Her extensive religious writings, which spanned a vast range of topics, were truly extraordinary for her time. While it was not uncommon for women to be respected scholars and teachers in medieval Islam, they rarely ventured into the realm of composing their own works. Aisha al-Ba‘uniyya, however, defied these conventions and emerged as a prolific writer. She is credited with composing over twenty distinct works, making her one of the most prolific Muslim women writers of her era.

In addition to her literary achievements, Aisha al-Ba‘uniyya is believed to have written more Arabic prose and poetry than any other Muslim woman before the twentieth century. Her writings, which were deeply rooted in her spiritual experiences and her profound understanding of Islam, offer a unique insight into the life and thoughts of a medieval Muslim woman.

This comprehensive biography, written in the English language, is the first full-scale account of al-Ba‘uniyya's life and writings. Authored by Homerin, it provides a rare opportunity to delve into the life and words of a medieval Muslim woman in her own voice. The book situates al-Ba‘uniyya's work within the broader context of late-medieval Islamic spirituality, examining the influence of prominent figures such as Ibn al-‘Arabi, al-Busiri, and Ibn al-Farid. It also highlights the central role that the Prophet Muhammad played in shaping her spiritual journey.

Aisha al-Ba‘uniyya emerges as a captivating figure in this biography, described by a sixteenth-century biographer as "one of the marvels of her age." Her life story, filled with challenges and triumphs, reflects the complexities and contradictions of the medieval world. Through her writings, al-Ba‘uniyya shares her insights into the nature of God, the human soul, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

This book serves as an invaluable introduction to the world of Aisha al-Ba‘uniyya, offering a glimpse into the life and thoughts of a remarkable medieval Muslim woman. It sheds light on the role of women in Islamic society during this period and provides a valuable contribution to the study of Islamic spirituality and literature. Whether you are interested in history, religion, or literature, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of medieval Islamic culture.

\n Weight: 286g\n
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 15 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786076106\n \n