In the vicinity of the righteous

Book Description

This scholarly exploration takes readers into the heart of medieval Egyptian spirituality, examining the profound practice of ziyara—the sacred tradition of visiting saints' tombs. Christopher Schurman Taylor offers the first comprehensive study of this vital spiritual institution, revealing how tomb visitation served as a cornerstone of Muslim devotional life between 1200 and 1500 A.D.

The book illuminates the rich spiritual landscape of al-Qarafa, Cairo's great cemetery, where pilgrims gathered to connect with revered saints through ritual and story. Taylor presents vivid accounts of these sacred encounters, capturing the diverse meanings that holy figures held for medieval believers and the transformative power of their presence in daily spiritual practice.

Rather than viewing religious expression through rigid categories of "elite" versus "folk" traditions, this work reveals a more nuanced understanding of how spiritual communities actually functioned. Through careful analysis of legal discussions surrounding tomb visitation, Taylor demonstrates the complex interplay between different levels of religious discourse and practice.

For readers interested in Islamic spirituality, mystical traditions, or the historical development of devotional practices, this study provides valuable insights into how sacred spaces and saintly figures shaped the inner lives of believers. The work offers a window into authentic spiritual expression, showing how communities created meaning through their relationships with the divine as mediated through revered spiritual guides.