A glimpse into a bygone world; this Akbarian (ref. Mughul Emperor) manuscript of Anvari's Divan contains some rather delightful Mughul miniatures, pai A glimpse into a bygone world; this Akbarian (ref. Mughul Emperor) manuscript of Anvari's Divan contains some rather delightful Mughul miniatures, painted by court artists. This book highlights the actual remnants by discussing the artistic content of the miniature paintings and the surrounding panegyric poetry. The authors' precede this with an elaborate essay describing the emperor Akbar's life and times, with a special emphasis on the contribution to and development of miniature art painting during this era. This is followed by an essay discussing the style of poetry employed by and thus, what consequently made Anvari's fame. This book would be appreciated best by those who hold an interest in Mughul/Persianate Art History and manuscripts.
This is a rather short work which is perfect for young adults as a first introduction and those who wish to gleam the key facts from the Prophetic Bio This is a rather short work which is perfect for young adults as a first introduction and those who wish to gleam the key facts from the Prophetic Biography - very handy and useful study aid to the Prophetic Biography. The text highlights the key facts from the Prophetic Biography under various chapter headings - essentially listings, which combine to summarise the key features of the Sirah (Prophetic Biography) - recommended for all those who wish to retain and engage in the Sirah, without being drowned in the plethora of names and details, which often happens to those who engage in the larger works straight off, without the relevant prepatory readings.
[Referring to the Second Edition as published by Remembrance Publications, UK.]
Once again, Shaykh G. F. Haddad has produced another stellar work, this [Referring to the Second Edition as published by Remembrance Publications, UK.]
Once again, Shaykh G. F. Haddad has produced another stellar work, this time bringing together the myriad and disparate Prophetic Traditions on the virtues and special merits of Sham and it's People. Presenting a well translated, and expertly annotated work in the Arba'een (Forty Hadith) genre; this particular edition is a bilingual Arabic-English edition, and we have the added advantage that the original complier and translator are the very same person, meaning the original author and translator, this undoubtably enhances the accuracy and portrayal of the work. This work comes complete with the many scholarly validations (Forwards) and an index of Qur'anic Verses and Traditions cited, indicating it's scholarly flair. This work may be of interest, especially given the recent on-going Geo-Political manoeuvring and conflicts in the region; there is also a cursory mention of certain end-time prophesies in relation to Sham and it's People (may God once again return peace and prosperity to it's people and lands). ...more
By in large this is a well-written and readable introduction to the early Muslims, as conceived by the author. However, one is left lacking from one c By in large this is a well-written and readable introduction to the early Muslims, as conceived by the author. However, one is left lacking from one chapter to another, evermore seeking a detailed investigation, that never really materialises. The text is rather too cursory. Much of what is mentioned would/should be known by any semi-informed Muslim, however the text fails to bring out in a credible fashion the richness and diversity of the Islamic tradition, which would adequately describe the formative period of Islamic thought. Likewise, towards the end, there is no real nuanced look at the selected issues at hand. Perhaps, as was suggested, this would be beyond the scope of the book, but it severely undermines it's utility. There are rather interesting statements made by the author throughout the text, which are certainly debatable, indicative of the sensitive and complex nature of the undertaking. The conclusions drawn may be considered rather brash by some. ...more
The dissertation was originally written in Dutch in 1989 and later translated into English and published. The thesis is dated, as better works have co The dissertation was originally written in Dutch in 1989 and later translated into English and published. The thesis is dated, as better works have come about since then which deal with the topic of Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet) with a much better coverage in terms of scope and depth. This work is well-written, reads well and the format is very helpful; the author summarises the main arguments at the end of each chapter. This work is only useful as a source for area (Maghreb - Islamic Western Countries) and time specific (7th-10th century) details for interested researchers and historians. ...more
I've seen references to this work in various places, thought i'd give this short book (essay) a read. The author runs through in a cursory manner the I've seen references to this work in various places, thought i'd give this short book (essay) a read. The author runs through in a cursory manner the genesis of the Wahhabi movement, and it's close ties in the formation of the early Saudi State and later Saudi Religious Establishment. Saudi Arabia until today is the foremost propagator of the Wahhabi ideology and it's global exporter - indications to this effect are made in the American context via various organisations. The author's tone is hostile, understandably the subject matter at hand has had serious historical ramifications and the fallout continues to plague various societies. Interesting to note, Wahhabism thrives most prosperously in war-torn and conflict ravaged nations - where all apparatus of state, society and civilisation have fallen to ruin, from the ashes rears the ugly head of Wahhabism. This is a good read to ascertain a historical prospective, albeit all too short to satisfy any real curiosity - also, such efforts need to be updated; parallels and influences on current happenings need to be illustrated and explained, as Wahhabism has a tendency to deceptively morph itself in order to dupe the unsuspecting and dimwitted. ...more
This book contains brief biographical sketches of all of the Umayyad Caliphs. The most fascinating being that of Umar bin Abdul Aziz - considered to b This book contains brief biographical sketches of all of the Umayyad Caliphs. The most fascinating being that of Umar bin Abdul Aziz - considered to be amongst the Khalifa al-Rasidun. The scope of the book is to focus on the persons of the caliphs therefore being a more personal history. All in all, makes for an interesting albeit turbulent read, as the caliphs range from the brilliant all the way down to the utterly deplorable. The book is replete with anecdotes and narrations revealing the wit and character of the caliphs, or lack thereof! ...more
From a literary point of view a very-well written piece explicating the Spiritual Way and Doctrine of Shaykh Ahmed al-Alawi, from the lenses of an adhFrom a literary point of view a very-well written piece explicating the Spiritual Way and Doctrine of Shaykh Ahmed al-Alawi, from the lenses of an adherent and propagandist for the perennialist school, the late Dr. Lings. The book begins well with a delightful re-telling of the "encounters" of a western physician with the Shaykh. However, there are passages in the book which are rather obscure (and concepts not readily rendered into language) and despite the best efforts of the author, much is 'lost in translation' and leaves room for misunderstandings and distortions of the intended purpose - that of introducing to the wider Western readership the 'spiritual heritage and legacy' of the Shaykh Ahmed al-Alawi. ...more
Loading...
