The Essence of Reality: A Defense of Philosophical Sufism

The Essence of Reality is a groundbreaking exposition of Islamic mysticism, written by a scholar who was just twenty-four. It is remarkable for its early philosophical exposition of mysticism and its influence on classical Islamic philosophy and philosophical mysticism. The book consists of one hundred brief chapters interspersed with Qurʾanic verses, prophetic sayings, Sufi maxims, and poetry, and takes readers on a philosophical journey, with lucid expositions of questions including the problem of the eternity of the world, the nature of Gods essence and attributes, the concepts of “before” and “after,” and the souls relationship to the body.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

A remarkable work of Islamic mysticism, The Essence of Reality was penned in just three days by a scholar who was just twenty-four years old in 514/1120. The text, much like its author ʿAyn al-Quḍāt, stands out for numerous reasons, not the least of which is that it is undoubtedly the earliest philosophical exposition of mysticism within the Islamic intellectual tradition. This significant work would go on to have a profound impact on both classical Islamic philosophy and philosophical mysticism. Crafted in a concise yet exquisite manner, The Essence of Reality comprises one hundred brief chapters interspersed with Qurʾanic verses, prophetic sayings, Sufi maxims, and poetry. In dialogue with the works of philosophers Avicenna and al-Ghazālī, the book guides readers on a philosophical journey, offering lucid explanations of topics such as the problem of the world's eternity; the nature of God's essence and attributes; the concepts of "before" and "after"; and the relationship between the soul and the body. These discussions are seamlessly interconnected with ʿAyn al-Quḍāt's fundamental argument, which posits that mystical knowledge transcends the realm of the intellect. Presented in a bilingual Arabic-English edition, this work is a testament to the depth and richness of Islamic mysticism and its enduring influence on the world of philosophy.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479816590