Knowledge and Power in the Philosophies of Ḥamīd al-Dīn Kirmānī and Mullā Ṣadrā Shīrāzī

Book Description

This scholarly exploration delves into the profound relationship between spiritual knowledge and religious authority through the lens of two influential Shi'i philosophers separated by centuries yet united in their quest to understand divine wisdom. Sayeh Meisami presents a thoughtful comparative analysis of Ḥamīd al-Dīn Kirmānī from Fatimid Egypt and Mullā Ṣadrā Shīrāzī from Safavid Iran, revealing how their philosophical frameworks shaped concepts of spiritual leadership and religious guidance.

The study examines how these thinkers developed sophisticated arguments about the absolute authority of spiritual leaders and their representatives, weaving together philosophical reasoning, mystical insights, theological principles, and scriptural interpretation. Through careful translation and analysis of key passages from original Arabic and Persian texts, readers encounter the rich intellectual tradition that emerged from the synthesis of diverse spiritual discourses.

Meisami traces the transmission of these ideas across time, showing how the philosophical contributions of figures like Nāṣir al-Dīn Ṭūsī helped carry forward essential concepts about knowledge and authority from earlier Ismaili thought into later Shi'i philosophy. The work demonstrates how these classical discussions continue to resonate in contemporary religious discourse, offering insights into the enduring questions of spiritual authority and the relationship between divine knowledge and human understanding.

This comparative study provides valuable perspectives for those seeking to understand how spiritual traditions develop their concepts of religious leadership and divine guidance.