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Fasting: A Divine Banquet

Fasting: A Divine Banquet

Author:
Publisher: www.al-islam.org
English

This book is corrected and edited by Al-Hassanain (p) Institue for Islamic Heritage and Thought


Notice:

This version is revised once again and Arabic Texts are taken from authentic sources.

www.alhassanain.org/english

Fasting; A Divine Banquet

Author (s): Al-Balagh Foundation

www.alhassanain.org/english

This text explains the significance of the holy month of Ramadhan and its fasting. It analyses the events, rules, obligatory and recommended acts and supplications to be performed during this sacred month. The text concludes by encouraging Muslims to fast in it in order to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

Notice:

This version is published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

The Prophet’ Sermon On The Advent Of Ramadhan 3

Notes 5

Fasting - Worship 6

A Definition Of Fasting 6

Fasting - Education And Social Reforms 7

Fasting - Key To Good Health 10

Repentance 11

The Spring Of The Quran 12

Supplication 13

Recommended Prayers 14

Charity 15

Notes 15

Immortal Occasions 17

The Grand Night 17

Other Important Events Of Ramadhan 18

Notes 20

Rules Of Fasting 21

Ways To Identify First And Last Day Of Ramadhan 21

Day Of Doubt 21

The Essentials Of Fasting 21

Clarification 22

Intention 22

Actions Which Make The Fast Invalid 22

Clarifications 23

Exemptions From Fast 23

Defaulted Fasts 23

Clarifications 24

Atonement 24

Traveller’s Fast 25

Recommended Fasts 25

Forbidden Fasts 25

Notes 26

Zakat-Ul-Fitr 27

Selected Supplications 28

1st day: 29

2nd day: 29

3rd day: 29

4th day: 29

5th day: 29

6th day: 30

7th day: 30

8th day: 30

9th day: 30

10th day: 30

11th day: 30

12th day: 31

13th day: 31

14th day: 31

15th day: 31

16th day: 31

17th day: 31

18th day: 32

19th day: 32

20th day: 32

21st day: 32

22nd day: 32

23rd day: 32

24th day: 33

25th day: 33

26th day: 33

27th day: 33

28th day: 33

29th day: 34

30th day: 34

Eid Prayers 35

Dua Qunoot 35

Notes 36

Introduction

O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those that were before you so that you mayhe God fearing. (2: 183)

«Fast to be healthy»

Prophet Muhammad (s)

*****

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and blessings and peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (s), his infallible progeny and the righteous among his companions.

The Almighty never promulgates any law unless there is a great purpose behind it in serving the interests of mankind, guiding them along the sublime path of piety and towards the lofty heights of perfection.

He, the Exalted sent messengers and prophets as blessings to the humankind, to take them out of the labyrinths of uncertainty and aimlessness, guide them to the right path, and inspire in them a virtuous life, which ultimately will be of benefit in the world to come. Allah did not forbid man­ kind from anything except what might bring certain harm; and He did not enjoin anything except that which is of benefit both in this present world and the hereafter.

As part of His unbounded grace, The All-wise has enjoined the month of fasting as an obligation on all those who profess to be Muslims. Hence, fasting Ramadhan could very well be described as Allah's banquet. It is among the wonderful aspects of Islam which build the human character and personality, and helpmould social life.

A Muslim while fasting experiences the aesthetic pleasure of Allah's proximity and the JOY of divine blessings. The feeling thus instils the will in the believers to lead a life of content, filled with Allah's remembrance and ever responsive to His command.

A Muslim who fasts experiences feelings of great spirituality and a profound sense of exaltation. He is sure of himself and is confident of moving towards perfection, because he consciously musters all his senses to direct his powerful will to serve and please his Creator.

Fasting is not confined to one's inner self alone but also has its social effects in influencing the community as an integrated whole. A fasting community enjoys all the comforts and pleasures resulting from obedience to the Almighty. The society consequently consolidates itself directing its energies towards constructive public welfare.

The members of such a society feel a sense of responsibility towards each other, characterized by mutual cooperation and kindness. It is a society almost free of crime, jealousy and hatred. Such society asserts its supremacy over the mundane world of matter and feels proud of its adherence to spiritual values.

Fasting, therefore, is a duty of many-fold benefits. One of its significant effects is that it strengthens in the individual and society the will to resist temptation and defy the forces of evil, injustice and deviation. A believer's soul, having tasted the pleasures of fasting, will never submit to other than Allah, and will never entertain the idea of worshipping other than Him.

Al-Balagh Foundation in presenting this booklet on fasting seeks to perform its duty of inviting people to Allah and proclaiming His eternal message. It hopes the booklet will be of benefit to our dear readers whose enthusiasm has been a source of inspiration for us.

We humbly implore Allah, the Most Exalted to guide the Ummah along the blessed path of Islam, and to accept the selfless deeds of fasting Muslims. He is the Most Excellent Patron, the Most Excellent Helper.

Al-Balagh Foundation

The Prophet’ SermonOn The Advent Of Ramadhan

As we said before, holy Ramadhan is Allah’s Banquet, spread out for all His creatures without the difference of class, caste, rank, race, language or geographical barriers. It is not just a month of mere rituals, as some may misbelieve, but on the contrary signifies the very peak of spiritual purification, which Islam has perfected.

The word Ramadhan is derived from the rootramadh which indicates 'heat' and 'restlessness', and is said to signify the hardships of a fast like thirst for example. A hadith from the Prophet says,Shahr Ramadhan burns the sins and the faults as fire burns wood.

Before discussingfurther the spiritual and physical dynamism of fasting. Let's start with those eternal words of Allah's last and greatest Prophet, which continue to ring even today in the ears of the believers.

Imam Ali ibn Musaar-Ridha (a)1 relates on the chain of authority of his illustrious forefathers from Imam Ali (a) that once on the advent of Ramadhan, Prophet Muhammad (s)2 delivered the following sermon:

أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! إِنَّهُ قَدْ أَقْبَلَ إِلَيْكُمْ شَهْرُ اللهِ بِالْبَرَكَةِ وَالرَّحْمَةِ وَالْمَغْفِرَةِ. شَهْرٌ هُوَ عِنْدَ اللهِ أَفْضَلُ الشُّهُورِ، وَأَيَّامُهُ أَفْضَلُ الأَيَّامِ، وَلَيَالِيهِ أَفْضَلُ اللَّيَالِي، وَسَاعَاتُهُ أَفْضَلُ السَّاعَاتِ. هُوَ شَهْرٌ دُعِيتُمْ فِيهِ إِلَى ضِيَافَةِ اللهِ، وَجُعِلْتُمْ فِيهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ كَرَامَةِ اللَّهِ. أَنْفَاسُكُمْ فِيهِ تَسْبِيحٌ، وَنَوْمُكُمْ فِيهِ عِبَادَةٌ، وَعَمَلُكُمْ فِيهِ مَقْبُولٌ، وَدُعَاؤُكُمْ فِيهِ مُسْتَجَابٌ،

O People! The month (Ramadhan) of Allah has come with His mercies, blessings and forgiveness. Allah has decreed this month the best of all months. Its days are the best among the days, its nights are the best among the nights and its hours are the best among the hours. This is a month in which you have been invited by Him (to fast and to pray). Allah hashonoured you in it. In it, every breath you take is (has the reward of) ' Tasbih' (the praise of Allah), your sleep is worship, your good deeds are accepted and your invocations answered.

فَاسْأَلُوا اللَّهَ رَبَّكُمْ بِنِيَّاتٍ صَادِقَةٍ، وَقُلُوبٍ طَاهِرَةٍ، أَنْ يُوَفِّقَكُمْ لِصِيَامِهِ، وَتِلاوَةِ كِتَابِهِ، فَإِنَّ الشَّقِيَّ مَنْ حُرِمَ غُفْرَانَ اللَّهِ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ الْعَظِيمِ. وَاذْكُرُوا بِجُوعِكُمْ وَعَطَشِكُمْ فِيهِ، جُوعَ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَعَطَشَهُ

Therefore, you must invoke your Lord in right earnest with hearts that are free from sin and evil, and pray that Allah may help you to keep fasts, and to recite the Holy Qur'an. Indeed! Miserable is the one who is deprived of Allah's forgiveness in this great month. While fasting, remember the hunger and thirst on the Day of Judgement. Give alms to the poor and the needy.

وَتَصَدَّقُوا عَلَى فُقَرَائِكُمْ وَمَسَاكِينِكُمْ، وَوَقِّرُوا كِبَارَكُمْ، وَارْحَمُوا صِغَارَكُمْ، وَصِلُوا أَرْحَامَكُمْ، وَاحْفَظُوا أَلْسِنَتَكُمْ، وَغُضُّوا عَمَّا لا يَحِلُّ النَّظَرُ إِلَيْهِ أَبْصَارَكُمْ، وَعَمَّا لا يَحِلُّ الاسْتِمَاعُ إِلَيْهِ أَسْمَاعَكُمْ

Pay respect to your elders, have sympathy for your youngsters and be kind towards your relatives and kinsmen. Guard your tongue against unworthy words, and your eyes from scenes that are not worth seeing (forbidden) and your ears from sounds that should not be heard.

وَتَحَنَّنُوا عَلَى أَيْتَامِ النَّاسِ يُتَحَنَّنْ عَلَى أَيْتَامِكُمْ، وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ ذُنُوبِكُمْ، وَارْفَعُوا إِلَيْهِ أَيْدِيَكُمْ بِالدُّعَاءِ فِي أَوْقَاتِ صَلاتِكُمْ، فَإِنَّهَا أَفْضَلُ السَّاعَاتِ، يَنْظُرُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فِيهَا بِالرَّحْمَةِ إِلَى عِبَادِهِ، يُجِيبُهُمْ إِذَا نَاجَوْهُ، وَيُلَبِّيهِمْ إِذَا نَادَوْهُ، وَيُعْطِيهِمْ إِذَا سَأَلُوهُ، وَيَسْتَجِيبُ لَهُمْ إِذَا دَعَوْهُ

Be kind to orphans so that if your children becomeorphans they will also be treated with kindness. Do repent to Allah for your sins and supplicate with raised hands at the times of prayer as these are the best times, during which Almighty Allah looks at His servants with mercy. (He) Answers if they supplicate,Responds if they call, Grants if they ask, and Accepts if they entreat.

. أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! إِنَّ أَنْفُسَكُمْ مَرْهُونَةٌ بِأَعْمَالِكُمْ، فَفُكُّوهَا بِاسْتِغْفَارِكُمْ، وَظُهُورَكُمْ ثَقِيلَةٌ مِنْ أَوْزَارِكُمْ، فَخَفِّفُوا عَنْهَا بِطُولِ سُجُودِكُمْ. وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ أَقْسَمَ بِعِزَّتِهِ أَنْ لا يُعَذِّبَ الْمُصَلِّينَ وَالسَّاجِدِينَ، وَأَنْ لا يُرَوِّعَهُمْ بِالنَّارِ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ النَّاسُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

O people! You have made your conscience the slave of your desires. Make it free, by invoking Him for forgiveness. Your back is breaking under the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate yourself before Him for long intervals and make it lighter. Do understand fully well that Allah has promised in the name of His Majesty and Honour that He will not take to task such people who perform Salaat andSajda (prostration), and that He will guard their bodies against the fire of hell on the Day of Judgement.

أيها الناس! مَنْ فَطَّرَ مِنْكُمْ صَائِماً مُؤْمِناً فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ، كَانَ لَهُ بِذَلِكَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عِتْقُ نَسَمَةٍ، وَمَغْفِرَةٌ لِمَا مَضَى مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ

O people! If anybody amongst you arranges for the iftar (food for ending of fast at sunset) of any believers, then Allah will give him the reward as if he had set free a slave, and He will forgive his previous sins.

قِيلَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! فَلَيْسَ كُلُّنَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَى ذَلِكَ،

Then the companions of the Prophet (s) asked,But everybody amongst us does not have the means to do so.

فَقَالَ - صلى الله عليه وآله-: اتَّقُوا النَّارَ وَلَوْ بِشِقِّ تَمْرَةٍ، اتَّقُوا النَّارَ وَلَوْ بِشَرْبَةٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ

The Prophet replied: Keep yourself away from the fire of hell, though it may consist of only half a date or even some water if you have nothing else.

أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! مَنْ حَسَّنَ مِنْكُمْ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ خُلُقَهُ، كَانَ لَهُ جَوَازاً عَلَى الصِّرَاطِ يَوْمَ تَزِلُّ فِيهِ الأَقْدَامُ، وَمَنْ خَفَّفَ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ عَمَّا مَلَكَتْ يَمِينُهُ، خَفَّفَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ حِسَابَهُ، وَمَنْ كَفَّ فِيهِ شَرَّهُ، كَفَّ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ غَضَبَهُ يَوْمَ يَلْقَاهُ، وَمَنْ أَكْرَمَ فِيهِ يَتِيماً،

O people! Anybody who in this month cultivates good manners, will walk over theSirat (bridge leading to Paradise) on the day when feet will tend to slip. Anybody who in this month may take light work from his servants, Allah will make easy his accounting, and anybody who does not annoy others in it, Allah will keep him safe from His wrath on the Day of Judgement. Anybody who respects and treats an orphan with kindness in it, Allah shall look at him with kindness on that Day.

أَكْرَمَهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ يَلْقَاهُ، وَمَنْ وَصَلَ فِيهِ رَحِمَهُ وَصَلَهُ اللَّهُ بِرَحْمَتِهِ يَوْمَ يَلْقَاهُ، وَمَنْ قَطَعَ فِيهِ رَحِمَهُ قَطَعَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ رَحْمَتَهُ يَوْمَ يَلْقَاهُ،

Anybody who treats well his kinsmen in it, Allah will bestow His Mercy on him on the Day of Judgement, while anybody who maltreats his kinsmen in it, Allah will keep him away from His Mercy.

وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ فِيهِ بِصَلاةٍ كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بَرَاءَةً مِنَ النَّارِ، وَمَنْ أَدَّى فِيهِ فَرْضاً كَانَ لَهُ ثَوَابُ مَنْ أَدَّى سَبْعِينَ فَرِيضَةً فِيمَا سِوَاهُ مِنَ الشُّهُورِ

Whoever offers recommended prayers in it, Allah will save him from hell, and whoever observes in itobligatories , his reward will be that of seventy suchobligatories that were observed in other months.

، وَمَنْ أَكْثَرَ فِيهِ مِنَ الصَّلاةِ عَلَيَّ، ثَقَّلَ اللَّهُ مِيزَانَهُ يَوْمَ تَخِفُّ الْمَوَازِينُ، وَمَنْ تَلا فِيهِ آيَةً مِنَ الْقُرْآنِ، كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِ مَنْ خَتَمَ الْقُرْآنَ فِي غَيْرِهِ مِنَ الشُّهُورِ

Whoever recites repeatedly blessings (Salawat ) on me init Allah will keep the scales of his good deeds heavy (on Judgement Day) whilst the scales of others will be tending to lightness. Whoever recites in this month, an Aya (verse) of the Holy Qur'an, his reward will he that of reciting the whole Qur'an in other months.

أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ! إِنَّ أَبْوَابَ الْجِنَانِ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ مُفَتَّحَةٌ، فَاسْأَلُوا رَبَّكُمْ أَنْ لا يُغَلِّقَهَا عَنْكُمْ، وَأَبْوَابَ النِّيرَانِ مُغَلَّقَةٌ، فَاسْأَلُوا رَبَّكُمْ أَنْ لا يُفَتِّحَهَا عَلَيْكُمْ، وَالشَّيَاطِينَ مَغْلُولَةٌ، فَاسْأَلُوا رَبَّكُمْ أَنْ لا يُسَلِّطَهَا عَلَيْكُمْ

O people! The gates of Paradise remain open in this month. Do pray to your Lord that they may not be closed for you. While the gates of Hell are closed, do pray to your lord they may never he opened for you.Satans have been handcuffed; invoke 'Our Lord not to let them dominate you.

قَالَ أَمِيرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ عليُّ بن أبي طالب عليه السلام: فَقُمْتُ فَقُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! مَا أَفْضَلُ الأَعْمَالِ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ؟

فَقَالَ: يَا أَبَا الْحَسَنِ! أَفْضَلُ الأَعْمَالِ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ: الْوَرَعُ عَنْ مَحَارِمِ اللَّهِ"عزَّ وجلَّ ثمُّ بكى

Amir Al-M u'mineen Ali (a) said: « I asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, what is the best of deeds in this month?' He replied: O Abul Hassan, the best of deeds in this month is to be far from what Allah has forbidden. »3

Notes

1. (a) stands for:alayhi /alayhai /alayhim as-salaam (peace be upon him/ her/ them).

2. (s) stands for:sal-lallahu alaylu waalihi wasallam (may Allah shower His blessings on him and his progeny).

3. ShaykhSaduqOyun Akhbar ar-Ridha

Table of Contents

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 4: Later Centuries (From the Fall of Baghdad [656/1258] TO 1111/1700)19

Part 1. The Fall of Baghdad 20

Chapter 40: Fall of The ‘Abbasid Caliphate21

Bibliography 25

Notes26

Part 2. Theologico-Philosophical Thought28

Chapter 41: Ibn Taimiyyah 29

A. Life and Works29

B. Attitude towards Theology and the Theologians31

Ibn Taimiyyah’s Anthropomorphism 33

Al-Qur’an Kalam Allah Ghair Makhluq 34

C. Attitude towards Philosophy 35

Theory of the Atom 42

Theory of the Body 42

Theory of the Similarities of Bodies42

Theory of Motion 43

Theories of Harakat al-Falak, Namus, and Mumkin 44

Notes48

Part 3: The Sufis51

Chapter 42: Jalal al-Din Rumi52

A. Life52

B. Beliefs and Philosophy 57

C. The Nature of Existence and Evolution 58

D. Love62

Bibliography 70

Notes70

Chapter 43: Mahmud Shabistari, Al-Jili, and Jami71

A. Mahmud Shabistari71

B. Al-Jili74

Essence, Attributes, and Names74

1. Life78

2. Knowledge79

3. Will80

4. Power80

5. Speech (Kalam)81

6. Hearing is Divine Epiphany 82

7. Sight82

8. Beauty 82

9. Majesty is Beauty in its Intense Form 82

10. Perfection is the name of Divine Essence which is perfectly unknowable82

Self-revelations of the One82

Ascent of the Soul84

1. Illumination of Action 84

2. Illumination of Names84

3. Illumination of Attributes85

4. Illumination of the Essence87

Doctrine of Logos and the Perfect Man 87

Saint ship and Prophethood 89

Psychology - Qalb 90

Reason 91

Judgment (Wahm)91

Reflection (Fikr)92

The Self (Nafs)92

Religion 93

C. Jami96

Bibliography 98

Notes99

Chapter 44: Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi103

A. Life and Studies103

B. The Shari‘ah 104

1. Heresy and the Mujaddid’s Opposition to It105

2. Reforms in Sufism and the Nature of Sufistic Perfection 105

3. Significance of the Shari‘ah 106

C. Existential or Experiential Unity 107

D. Revelation and Intuition 108

E. The Religious Law 109

Bibliography 110

Notes111

Part 4: The “Philosophers”112

Chapter 45: Jalal al-Din Dawwani113

A. Life and Works113

B. Ethics113

C. Politics115

D. Metaphysics116

Bibliography 117

Notes117

Chapter 46: Ibn Khaldun 118

A 118

B 119

C 120

D 122

E 125

1. Association is Necessary for Man 126

2. Distribution of Culture on Earth 126

3. Temperate and Intemperate Zones and the Influence of the Atmosphere upon the Colour of Human Beings and many of their States127

4. Influence of the Atmosphere upon the Habits of Character (akhlaq) of Human Beings127

5. Effects of the Abundance and Scarcity of Food upon the Bodies and Habits of Character of Human Beings127

6. Classes of those who perceive the “Unseen” (ghaib) among Human Beings by Natural Disposition or by Exercise128

F 129

Bibliography 130

Notes130

Chapter 47: The School of Ispahan 133

A. Introduction 133

B. Hikmat134

C. Major Figures of the School of Ispahan 135

Sheikh Baha’ al-Din ‘Amili136

Mir Damad 139

Mir Abu al-Qasim Findiriski145

The form below, if by the ladder of gnosis146

The intellect form which is endless and immortal146

Mulla Muhsin Faid-i Kashi148

Mulla Mohammad Baqir Majlisi151

D. Conclusion 152

Bibliography 152

Notes153

Chapter 48: Sadr al-Din Shirazi159

A. Life and Works159

B. Sources of Mulla Sadra’s Doctrines162

C. Mulla Sadra’s Method and the Characteristics of His School163

D. Division of the Sciences163

E. Principles of Mulla Sadra’s Doctrines165

1. Unity and Polarization of Being 165

2. Substantial Motion 169

3. Divine and Human Knowledge171

4. Soul, Its Origin, Becoming and Entelechy 173

F. Significance of Mulla Sadra and His Influence176

Bibliography 178

Notes179

Part 5: Political Thought186

Chapter 49: Ibn Khaldun 187

A 187

B 188

C 189

D 192

E 195

F 202

Bibliography 206

Notes206

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 5: Other Disciplines (Covering Both The Early And The Later Centuries)216

Part 1: Language and Literature217

Chapter 50: Arabic Literature, Poetic and Prose Forms218

A. Poetry 218

The Nasib 220

The Madih 221

The Khatimah 222

Islam and Poetry 223

Development of the Ghazal225

Vilifying Ghazal226

The ‘Abbasid Era229

Further Development of the Ghazal229

Bohemianism 230

New Features of the Ghazal231

Moral, Philosophical and Mystic Poetry 231

Formal Panegyric232

Personal and Occasional Verse233

Descriptive Poetry 234

Adaptation of Metre and Diction 235

Strophic Verse236

B. Prose236

1. Proverbs236

2. Oracular sayings236

3. Orations and 237

Influence of the Qur’an and the Hadith 237

Popular Anecdote239

Story Cycles239

High-class Fiction 240

Literary Epistle (Risalah) and Rhetorical Maqamah 241

Development of the Story for Literary Theme242

Story for the Philosophical Theme243

Historical Writing 243

Influence on the West244

Bibliography 245

Notes245

Chapter 51: Arabic Literature, Poetic and Prose Forms247

A. Grammar247

B. Lexicography 253

Bibliography 259

Notes260

Chapter 52: Arabic Literature: Theories of Literary Criticism 262

Bibliography 272

Chapter 53: Persian Literature274

A. Persian Literature of Early Times274

B. The Beginning of Modern Persian Literature277

C. Different Epochs of Persian Poetry 278

D. Persian Prose283

E. Persian Grammar and Lexicography 285

F. Influence on Persian Literature286

Bibliography 287

Chapter 54: Turkish Literature288

A. Development of Turkish Prose and Poetry 288

Seventh/13th Century 291

Eighth/14th Century 291

Ninth/15th Century 292

Tenth/16th Century 293

11th/17th Century 295

12th/18th Century 296

13th/19th Century 297

B. Development of Turkish Grammar and Lexicography 297

Bibliography: Turkish Grammar and Lexicography 299

Notes300

Part 2: Language and Literature305

Chapter 55: Architecture306

A. The First Three Centuries of Muslim Architecture306

The Great Mosque of Damascus307

B. Muslim Architecture in Later Centuries312

1. Muslim Architecture in North Africa312

The Fatimids312

The Mamluks312

Qairawin 313

2. Muslim Architecture in Spain 314

3. Muslim Architecture in Iran 316

4. Muslim Architecture in Central Asia321

5. Muslim Architecture in Turkey 322

6. Muslim Architecture in Pakistan and India325

Bengal329

Jaunpur330

The Deccan 332

Malwah 333

Bibliography 337

Notes337

Chapter 56: Painting 339

A. Introduction 339

B. Characteristics of Muslim Painting 339

C. Historical Background 344

D. Book Illustrations344

E. The Mongo School345

F. The Timurid School346

G. The Great Behzad 347

H. The Safawid School348

I. The Bukhara School348

J. The Turkish Painting 349

K. The Mughul Painting 349

Bibliography 350

Notes351

Chapter 57: Music352

Alf Lailah wa Lailah 352

A. The Music in Itself352

Syrian Proverb 355

B. The Music Lovers355

Notes367

Chapter 58: Music (continued)371

C. The Music Theorists371

D. Influence379

An Arabic Proverb 379

Bibliography 396

Notes397

Chapter 59: Minor Arts404

A 404

B 405

1. Calligraphy and Illumination 405

2. Book-binding 408

3. Pottery 409

4. Textiles and Rugs411

5. Wood-carving, and Ivory and Bone-carving 415

6. Metal-work, Glass and Crystal417

Bibliography 418

Notes420

Part 3: Social Studies421

Chapter 60: Historiography 422

Bibliography 441

Notes442

Chapter 61: Jurisprudence445

A - The Law 445

B -Law And Ethics448

C- Sanctions449

D - Law And Religious Affairs450

E - The Chief Sources451

F-Other Sources453

G - Particular Sections Of The Law 455

1. `Ibadat455

2. Mu`amalat456

(a) Polity 456

(b) Fiscality 457

(c) Contracts458

(d) Family Law 459

(e) Commercial Contracts460

(f) Administration of Justice461

3. Penal Laws462

(a) Apostasy 462

(b) Homicide and Corporal Damages462

(c) & (d) Sexual Transgression and False Accusations Affecting the Honor of Women463

(e) Alcoholic Drinks463

(f) Robbery and Theft463

(g) War463

(h) Infliction of Injuries (Mazalim)464

H - Muslim Contribution To Law 464

I - Interactions465

J - Further Possibilities466

Bibliography 466

Notes466

Part 4: The Sciences468

Chapter 62: Geography 469

A - General And Regional Geography 473

1. The Route Books474

2. Books of Countries and Dictionaries475

3. Diaries and Travel Accounts476

B - General Treatises And Scientific Geography 481

C - Mathematical Geography 485

1. Instruments and Their Use487

2. Determination of Latitudes and Longitudes487

3. The Earth's Shape, Size, and Movements488

D-Cartography And Map-Making 489

E - Influence Of Muslim Geography 492

Bibliography 495

Some Texts and Translations495

General496

Notes497

Chapter 63: Mathematics and Astronomy 500

A - Introduction 500

B - Arithmetic501

C - Algebra502

D -Geometry 503

E - Trigonometry 504

F - Astronomy 505

Bibliography 512

Notes512

Chapter 64: Physics and Mineralogy 514

Bibliography 517

Notes517

Chapter 65: Chemistry 518

Bibliography 534

Notes535

Chapter 66: Natural History 537

A 537

B 539

C 543

Bibliography 547

Notes548

Chapter 67: Medicine552

A - Introductory 552

B - Collection And Translation Of Books554

C - Hospitals556

D - Physicians And Surgeons558

E - Influence564

Bibliography 564

Notes565

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 6: Influence of Muslim Thought572

Chapter 68: Influence of Muslim Thought on the West573

Western Thinkers On Islam In General573

Muslim philosophy influenced Western thought in several ways. It573

Theological Influence582

Philosophical Influence Before Descartes588

Philosophical Influence From Descartes To Kant601

Philosophical Influence in the Post Kantian Period 606

Bibliography 608

Notes609

Chapter 69: Influence of Muslim thought on the East613

Introduction 613

Persia613

China, Turkey and Afghanistan 616

India617

Cultural Contacts618

From the First/Seventh Century to Sarikara620

Indonesia627

Bibliography 635

General635

Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and China636

India636

Indonesia636

Notes637

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 7: The Dark Age (1111/1700-1266/1850)647

Chapter 70: Decline In The Muslim World 648

A. Political Causes of the Catastrophic Decline648

1. Turkey 648

2. Persia651

3. India652

4. Indonesia654

B. Non-Political Causes657

Bibliography 663

Turkey 663

Persia663

India663

Indonesia664

Notes664

Chapter 71: The Silver Lining, Development Of The Urdu Language, Grammar, And Literature665

A 665

B 667

C 667

D 669

E 671

F 673

G 673

Bibliography 674

Notes674

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 8: Modern Renaissance (Covering both the Early and the Later Centuries)683

Part 1. Renaissance in the Near and Middle East684

Chapter 72: Renaissance in Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon 685

Muhammad Bin Abd Al-Wahhab and His Movement685

A 685

B 685

C 689

Role of the Arab Academy of Damascus in Syria689

American University of Beirut689

Role of the Arab League in Unifying the Arab World 691

D 692

Bibliography 694

Notes695

Chapter 73: Renaissance in North Africa: The Sanusiyyah Movement696

A: Rise of the Sanusiyyah Order696

B: Teachings and Philosophy of the Sanussiyyah Order704

C: Achievements: An Evaluation 706

D: Decline and Recovery 712

Bibliography 717

Notes718

Chapter 74: Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani721

A: Introduction 721

B: Life722

C: Philosophy 724

D: Political Thought725

E: Conclusion 727

Bibliography 727

A: Works of al-Afghani727

B: Works on al-Afghani727

Chapter 75: Renaissance in Egypt: Muhammad Abduh and His School729

A: Life729

For greatness we have made a resting-place734

B: His Philosophy 734

C: The School of Muhammad Abduh in Egypt745

Bibliography 750

Chapter 76: Renaissance in Turkey: Zia Gokalp and His School752

Bibliographical Note760

Chapter 77: Renaissance in Iran: General763

Bibliography 779

Notes780

Chapter 78: Renasissance in Iran: Haji Mulla Hadi Sabziwari782

A: Life and Works782

B: Sources of Haji’s Doctrines and the Characteristics of His Approach 783

C: Teachings784

D: Post-Sabziwarian Hikmat791

Bibliography 792

Notes793

Part 2. Renaissance in South and South-East Asia796

Chapter 79: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan: Shah Wali Allah Dihlawi797

A: Introduction 797

B: Life and Works797

C: Sources of Shah Wali Allah’s Thought798

D: Socio-Economic and Political Thought799

E: Philosophy of History 802

F: Metaphysics807

Doctrines of Wahdat al-Wujud and Wahdat al-Shuhud 807

The Spiritual World and the Material World 810

Space and Time811

Freedom and Fatalism 811

G: Jurisprudence812

H: Conclusion 814

Bibliography 815

Notes817

Chapter 80: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan (Continued): Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan as a Politician, Historian, and Reformist819

A: Introductory 819

B: The Sayyid as a Historian 820

C: The Sayyid as a Reformer827

D: The Sayyid as a Politician 831

Bibliography 835

Notes836

Chapter 81: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan (Continued): Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan as a Religio-Philosophical Thinker837

Bibliography 852

Notes852

Chapter 82: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan (Continued): Iqbal854

Summing Up 868

Reason and Heart: A Dialogue870

The Odyssey of Man 871

The Nature of Life871

The Birth of Man 872

Bibliography 872

Notes873

Chapter 83: Renaissance in Indonesia874

A: Introductory 874

B: National Movement in Indonesia876

C: Effect of the First World War on Indonesia877

D: Factors Promoting National Sentiments878

Nationalist Party of Indonesia880

Sarekat Islam 882

Indonesian Youth Movement883

Indonesian Women Movement883

Cooperation and Non-Cooperation Movements883

F: The Japanese Occupation 884

Effects of the Japanese Occupation 886

Bibliography 892

Notes894

Conclusion 896

Table of Contents

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 4: Later Centuries (From the Fall of Baghdad [656/1258] TO 1111/1700)19

Part 1. The Fall of Baghdad 20

Chapter 40: Fall of The ‘Abbasid Caliphate21

Bibliography 25

Notes26

Part 2. Theologico-Philosophical Thought28

Chapter 41: Ibn Taimiyyah 29

A. Life and Works29

B. Attitude towards Theology and the Theologians31

Ibn Taimiyyah’s Anthropomorphism 33

Al-Qur’an Kalam Allah Ghair Makhluq 34

C. Attitude towards Philosophy 35

Theory of the Atom 42

Theory of the Body 42

Theory of the Similarities of Bodies42

Theory of Motion 43

Theories of Harakat al-Falak, Namus, and Mumkin 44

Notes48

Part 3: The Sufis51

Chapter 42: Jalal al-Din Rumi52

A. Life52

B. Beliefs and Philosophy 57

C. The Nature of Existence and Evolution 58

D. Love62

Bibliography 70

Notes70

Chapter 43: Mahmud Shabistari, Al-Jili, and Jami71

A. Mahmud Shabistari71

B. Al-Jili74

Essence, Attributes, and Names74

1. Life78

2. Knowledge79

3. Will80

4. Power80

5. Speech (Kalam)81

6. Hearing is Divine Epiphany 82

7. Sight82

8. Beauty 82

9. Majesty is Beauty in its Intense Form 82

10. Perfection is the name of Divine Essence which is perfectly unknowable82

Self-revelations of the One82

Ascent of the Soul84

1. Illumination of Action 84

2. Illumination of Names84

3. Illumination of Attributes85

4. Illumination of the Essence87

Doctrine of Logos and the Perfect Man 87

Saint ship and Prophethood 89

Psychology - Qalb 90

Reason 91

Judgment (Wahm)91

Reflection (Fikr)92

The Self (Nafs)92

Religion 93

C. Jami96

Bibliography 98

Notes99

Chapter 44: Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi103

A. Life and Studies103

B. The Shari‘ah 104

1. Heresy and the Mujaddid’s Opposition to It105

2. Reforms in Sufism and the Nature of Sufistic Perfection 105

3. Significance of the Shari‘ah 106

C. Existential or Experiential Unity 107

D. Revelation and Intuition 108

E. The Religious Law 109

Bibliography 110

Notes111

Part 4: The “Philosophers”112

Chapter 45: Jalal al-Din Dawwani113

A. Life and Works113

B. Ethics113

C. Politics115

D. Metaphysics116

Bibliography 117

Notes117

Chapter 46: Ibn Khaldun 118

A 118

B 119

C 120

D 122

E 125

1. Association is Necessary for Man 126

2. Distribution of Culture on Earth 126

3. Temperate and Intemperate Zones and the Influence of the Atmosphere upon the Colour of Human Beings and many of their States127

4. Influence of the Atmosphere upon the Habits of Character (akhlaq) of Human Beings127

5. Effects of the Abundance and Scarcity of Food upon the Bodies and Habits of Character of Human Beings127

6. Classes of those who perceive the “Unseen” (ghaib) among Human Beings by Natural Disposition or by Exercise128

F 129

Bibliography 130

Notes130

Chapter 47: The School of Ispahan 133

A. Introduction 133

B. Hikmat134

C. Major Figures of the School of Ispahan 135

Sheikh Baha’ al-Din ‘Amili136

Mir Damad 139

Mir Abu al-Qasim Findiriski145

The form below, if by the ladder of gnosis146

The intellect form which is endless and immortal146

Mulla Muhsin Faid-i Kashi148

Mulla Mohammad Baqir Majlisi151

D. Conclusion 152

Bibliography 152

Notes153

Chapter 48: Sadr al-Din Shirazi159

A. Life and Works159

B. Sources of Mulla Sadra’s Doctrines162

C. Mulla Sadra’s Method and the Characteristics of His School163

D. Division of the Sciences163

E. Principles of Mulla Sadra’s Doctrines165

1. Unity and Polarization of Being 165

2. Substantial Motion 169

3. Divine and Human Knowledge171

4. Soul, Its Origin, Becoming and Entelechy 173

F. Significance of Mulla Sadra and His Influence176

Bibliography 178

Notes179

Part 5: Political Thought186

Chapter 49: Ibn Khaldun 187

A 187

B 188

C 189

D 192

E 195

F 202

Bibliography 206

Notes206

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 5: Other Disciplines (Covering Both The Early And The Later Centuries)216

Part 1: Language and Literature217

Chapter 50: Arabic Literature, Poetic and Prose Forms218

A. Poetry 218

The Nasib 220

The Madih 221

The Khatimah 222

Islam and Poetry 223

Development of the Ghazal225

Vilifying Ghazal226

The ‘Abbasid Era229

Further Development of the Ghazal229

Bohemianism 230

New Features of the Ghazal231

Moral, Philosophical and Mystic Poetry 231

Formal Panegyric232

Personal and Occasional Verse233

Descriptive Poetry 234

Adaptation of Metre and Diction 235

Strophic Verse236

B. Prose236

1. Proverbs236

2. Oracular sayings236

3. Orations and 237

Influence of the Qur’an and the Hadith 237

Popular Anecdote239

Story Cycles239

High-class Fiction 240

Literary Epistle (Risalah) and Rhetorical Maqamah 241

Development of the Story for Literary Theme242

Story for the Philosophical Theme243

Historical Writing 243

Influence on the West244

Bibliography 245

Notes245

Chapter 51: Arabic Literature, Poetic and Prose Forms247

A. Grammar247

B. Lexicography 253

Bibliography 259

Notes260

Chapter 52: Arabic Literature: Theories of Literary Criticism 262

Bibliography 272

Chapter 53: Persian Literature274

A. Persian Literature of Early Times274

B. The Beginning of Modern Persian Literature277

C. Different Epochs of Persian Poetry 278

D. Persian Prose283

E. Persian Grammar and Lexicography 285

F. Influence on Persian Literature286

Bibliography 287

Chapter 54: Turkish Literature288

A. Development of Turkish Prose and Poetry 288

Seventh/13th Century 291

Eighth/14th Century 291

Ninth/15th Century 292

Tenth/16th Century 293

11th/17th Century 295

12th/18th Century 296

13th/19th Century 297

B. Development of Turkish Grammar and Lexicography 297

Bibliography: Turkish Grammar and Lexicography 299

Notes300

Part 2: Language and Literature305

Chapter 55: Architecture306

A. The First Three Centuries of Muslim Architecture306

The Great Mosque of Damascus307

B. Muslim Architecture in Later Centuries312

1. Muslim Architecture in North Africa312

The Fatimids312

The Mamluks312

Qairawin 313

2. Muslim Architecture in Spain 314

3. Muslim Architecture in Iran 316

4. Muslim Architecture in Central Asia321

5. Muslim Architecture in Turkey 322

6. Muslim Architecture in Pakistan and India325

Bengal329

Jaunpur330

The Deccan 332

Malwah 333

Bibliography 337

Notes337

Chapter 56: Painting 339

A. Introduction 339

B. Characteristics of Muslim Painting 339

C. Historical Background 344

D. Book Illustrations344

E. The Mongo School345

F. The Timurid School346

G. The Great Behzad 347

H. The Safawid School348

I. The Bukhara School348

J. The Turkish Painting 349

K. The Mughul Painting 349

Bibliography 350

Notes351

Chapter 57: Music352

Alf Lailah wa Lailah 352

A. The Music in Itself352

Syrian Proverb 355

B. The Music Lovers355

Notes367

Chapter 58: Music (continued)371

C. The Music Theorists371

D. Influence379

An Arabic Proverb 379

Bibliography 396

Notes397

Chapter 59: Minor Arts404

A 404

B 405

1. Calligraphy and Illumination 405

2. Book-binding 408

3. Pottery 409

4. Textiles and Rugs411

5. Wood-carving, and Ivory and Bone-carving 415

6. Metal-work, Glass and Crystal417

Bibliography 418

Notes420

Part 3: Social Studies421

Chapter 60: Historiography 422

Bibliography 441

Notes442

Chapter 61: Jurisprudence445

A - The Law 445

B -Law And Ethics448

C- Sanctions449

D - Law And Religious Affairs450

E - The Chief Sources451

F-Other Sources453

G - Particular Sections Of The Law 455

1. `Ibadat455

2. Mu`amalat456

(a) Polity 456

(b) Fiscality 457

(c) Contracts458

(d) Family Law 459

(e) Commercial Contracts460

(f) Administration of Justice461

3. Penal Laws462

(a) Apostasy 462

(b) Homicide and Corporal Damages462

(c) & (d) Sexual Transgression and False Accusations Affecting the Honor of Women463

(e) Alcoholic Drinks463

(f) Robbery and Theft463

(g) War463

(h) Infliction of Injuries (Mazalim)464

H - Muslim Contribution To Law 464

I - Interactions465

J - Further Possibilities466

Bibliography 466

Notes466

Part 4: The Sciences468

Chapter 62: Geography 469

A - General And Regional Geography 473

1. The Route Books474

2. Books of Countries and Dictionaries475

3. Diaries and Travel Accounts476

B - General Treatises And Scientific Geography 481

C - Mathematical Geography 485

1. Instruments and Their Use487

2. Determination of Latitudes and Longitudes487

3. The Earth's Shape, Size, and Movements488

D-Cartography And Map-Making 489

E - Influence Of Muslim Geography 492

Bibliography 495

Some Texts and Translations495

General496

Notes497

Chapter 63: Mathematics and Astronomy 500

A - Introduction 500

B - Arithmetic501

C - Algebra502

D -Geometry 503

E - Trigonometry 504

F - Astronomy 505

Bibliography 512

Notes512

Chapter 64: Physics and Mineralogy 514

Bibliography 517

Notes517

Chapter 65: Chemistry 518

Bibliography 534

Notes535

Chapter 66: Natural History 537

A 537

B 539

C 543

Bibliography 547

Notes548

Chapter 67: Medicine552

A - Introductory 552

B - Collection And Translation Of Books554

C - Hospitals556

D - Physicians And Surgeons558

E - Influence564

Bibliography 564

Notes565

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 6: Influence of Muslim Thought572

Chapter 68: Influence of Muslim Thought on the West573

Western Thinkers On Islam In General573

Muslim philosophy influenced Western thought in several ways. It573

Theological Influence582

Philosophical Influence Before Descartes588

Philosophical Influence From Descartes To Kant601

Philosophical Influence in the Post Kantian Period 606

Bibliography 608

Notes609

Chapter 69: Influence of Muslim thought on the East613

Introduction 613

Persia613

China, Turkey and Afghanistan 616

India617

Cultural Contacts618

From the First/Seventh Century to Sarikara620

Indonesia627

Bibliography 635

General635

Persia, Turkey, Afghanistan, and China636

India636

Indonesia636

Notes637

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 7: The Dark Age (1111/1700-1266/1850)647

Chapter 70: Decline In The Muslim World 648

A. Political Causes of the Catastrophic Decline648

1. Turkey 648

2. Persia651

3. India652

4. Indonesia654

B. Non-Political Causes657

Bibliography 663

Turkey 663

Persia663

India663

Indonesia664

Notes664

Chapter 71: The Silver Lining, Development Of The Urdu Language, Grammar, And Literature665

A 665

B 667

C 667

D 669

E 671

F 673

G 673

Bibliography 674

Notes674

A History of Muslim Philosophy Volume 2, Book 8: Modern Renaissance (Covering both the Early and the Later Centuries)683

Part 1. Renaissance in the Near and Middle East684

Chapter 72: Renaissance in Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon 685

Muhammad Bin Abd Al-Wahhab and His Movement685

A 685

B 685

C 689

Role of the Arab Academy of Damascus in Syria689

American University of Beirut689

Role of the Arab League in Unifying the Arab World 691

D 692

Bibliography 694

Notes695

Chapter 73: Renaissance in North Africa: The Sanusiyyah Movement696

A: Rise of the Sanusiyyah Order696

B: Teachings and Philosophy of the Sanussiyyah Order704

C: Achievements: An Evaluation 706

D: Decline and Recovery 712

Bibliography 717

Notes718

Chapter 74: Jamal Al-Din Al-Afghani721

A: Introduction 721

B: Life722

C: Philosophy 724

D: Political Thought725

E: Conclusion 727

Bibliography 727

A: Works of al-Afghani727

B: Works on al-Afghani727

Chapter 75: Renaissance in Egypt: Muhammad Abduh and His School729

A: Life729

For greatness we have made a resting-place734

B: His Philosophy 734

C: The School of Muhammad Abduh in Egypt745

Bibliography 750

Chapter 76: Renaissance in Turkey: Zia Gokalp and His School752

Bibliographical Note760

Chapter 77: Renaissance in Iran: General763

Bibliography 779

Notes780

Chapter 78: Renasissance in Iran: Haji Mulla Hadi Sabziwari782

A: Life and Works782

B: Sources of Haji’s Doctrines and the Characteristics of His Approach 783

C: Teachings784

D: Post-Sabziwarian Hikmat791

Bibliography 792

Notes793

Part 2. Renaissance in South and South-East Asia796

Chapter 79: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan: Shah Wali Allah Dihlawi797

A: Introduction 797

B: Life and Works797

C: Sources of Shah Wali Allah’s Thought798

D: Socio-Economic and Political Thought799

E: Philosophy of History 802

F: Metaphysics807

Doctrines of Wahdat al-Wujud and Wahdat al-Shuhud 807

The Spiritual World and the Material World 810

Space and Time811

Freedom and Fatalism 811

G: Jurisprudence812

H: Conclusion 814

Bibliography 815

Notes817

Chapter 80: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan (Continued): Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan as a Politician, Historian, and Reformist819

A: Introductory 819

B: The Sayyid as a Historian 820

C: The Sayyid as a Reformer827

D: The Sayyid as a Politician 831

Bibliography 835

Notes836

Chapter 81: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan (Continued): Sir Sayyid Ahmad Khan as a Religio-Philosophical Thinker837

Bibliography 852

Notes852

Chapter 82: Renaissance in Indo-Pakistan (Continued): Iqbal854

Summing Up 868

Reason and Heart: A Dialogue870

The Odyssey of Man 871

The Nature of Life871

The Birth of Man 872

Bibliography 872

Notes873

Chapter 83: Renaissance in Indonesia874

A: Introductory 874

B: National Movement in Indonesia876

C: Effect of the First World War on Indonesia877

D: Factors Promoting National Sentiments878

Nationalist Party of Indonesia880

Sarekat Islam 882

Indonesian Youth Movement883

Indonesian Women Movement883

Cooperation and Non-Cooperation Movements883

F: The Japanese Occupation 884

Effects of the Japanese Occupation 886

Bibliography 892

Notes894

Conclusion 896


4