Christian apocalyptic texts in Islamic messianic discourse
Book Description
This scholarly exploration reveals how sacred texts can transcend religious boundaries to create new spiritual understanding. Orkhan Mir-Kasimov examines the remarkable work of Faḍl Allāh Astarābādī, a fourteenth-century Persian mystic who founded an influential messianic movement that spread across medieval Iran and Anatolia.
At the heart of this study lies a fascinating example of interfaith dialogue in action. Rather than rejecting Christian apocalyptic writings, Faḍl Allāh embraced them, weaving these texts into an Islamic framework alongside Quranic verses and prophetic traditions. This approach represents what scholars call "positive" Muslim interpretation of Christian and Jewish scriptures, a tradition particularly cultivated within certain Islamic mystical circles.
The book demonstrates how spiritual seekers throughout history have found wisdom by building bridges between different religious traditions. Faḍl Allāh's integration of Christian apocalyptic material into Islamic eschatology offers readers insight into how mystical thinkers have long recognized universal spiritual truths that transcend sectarian boundaries.
Mir-Kasimov provides both scholarly analysis and primary source material, including a critical edition and English translation of relevant passages from Faḍl Allāh's major work, the Jāvidān-nāma-yi kabīr. This combination makes the book valuable for anyone interested in understanding how different spiritual traditions can inform and enrich one another, offering a historical model for contemporary interfaith understanding and mystical exploration.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 188 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore Islamic interpretations of sacred works
- ✓ Explore Islamic interpretations
