Sufism and the Scriptures

Book Description

In the rich tapestry of medieval Islamic mysticism, few figures explored the intersection of divine revelation and spiritual understanding as profoundly as the Sufi master Abd al-Karim al-Jili. This scholarly exploration delves into a fascinating yet overlooked dimension of his monumental work on the Perfect Human, revealing how one of history's most influential mystics understood the sacred texts that have shaped human spirituality.

Fitzroy Morrissey guides readers through al-Jili's remarkable vision of sacred history, where the Quran, Torah, Psalms, and Gospel emerge not merely as historical documents, but as luminous manifestations of divine attributes appearing within the phenomenal world. Through careful translation and analysis, this study illuminates how al-Jili's metaphysical framework transforms our understanding of prophetic revelation and scriptural wisdom.

What emerges is a sophisticated theological perspective that honors the hierarchy of religious traditions while recognizing the universal patterns through which divine truth reveals itself to humanity. Al-Jili's approach demonstrates how Sufi metaphysics can embrace both the particularity of Islamic revelation and the broader spectrum of sacred literature that has guided seekers across cultures.

For readers interested in comparative spirituality, mystical philosophy, and the medieval Islamic intellectual tradition, this work offers profound insights into how one master mystic navigated the complex relationship between different religious paths while maintaining his own spiritual convictions.