Sainthood and Authority in Early Islam: Al-Ḥakīm Al-Tirmidhī's Theory of <i>wilāya</i>and the Reenvisioning of the Sunnī Caliphate
Book Description
This scholarly exploration delves into one of Islam's most profound spiritual concepts through the pioneering work of al-Ḥakīm al-Tirmidhī, a groundbreaking theologian and mystic from early Islamic history. Aiyub Palmer presents a fresh examination of wilāya, commonly understood as sainthood, by repositioning it within the broader framework of Islamic authority and social organization.
Rather than treating sainthood as an isolated mystical phenomenon, Palmer traces how this concept evolved alongside political and religious power structures during the third and fourth Islamic centuries. The book centers on al-Tirmidhī's revolutionary contributions as the first Muslim scholar to systematically address wilāya, revealing how his insights shaped both spiritual and temporal understandings of authority.
By examining the structural foundations of Arab and Islamic social systems, Palmer demonstrates how sainthood connects to wider patterns of leadership and influence within Islamic civilization. This approach offers readers a nuanced understanding of how spiritual authority operates within religious communities and how it relates to other forms of power.
The work challenges conventional academic perspectives on authority in Islamic societies while illuminating the enduring relevance of early mystical thought. For those interested in the intersection of spirituality and social organization, this book provides valuable insights into how religious authority develops and functions within traditional Islamic frameworks.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 219 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Islamic theology
- ✓ Explore Theology
- ✓ Explore Aspect religieux
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Sufi mystical teachings
- ✓ Explore Muslim saints
- ✓ Explore History of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Autorité
