A Soaring Minaret: Abu Bakr al-Wasiti and the Rise of Baghdadi Sufism

by Laury Silvers

Overview

The development of early Islamic mysticism and metaphysics is presented through the life and work of theologian Abu Bakr al-Wasiti.

Sufi scholar Abu Bakr al-Wasiti (d. ca. 320 AH/932 CE) was called a “soaring minaret” for his cutting comments and keen theological insights. Wasiti’s life is little known today, but elements of his lost Qur
Laury Silvers is Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at the University of Toronto.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781438431727
Publisher:	State University of New York Press
Publication date:	07/16/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	152
File size:	625 KB

About the Author

Laury Silvers is Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at the University of Toronto.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction

Part One: Wasiti and Early Sufism

1. Wasiti’s Intellectual Heritage

2. Wasiti in Iraq

3. Wasiti in Khurasan

4. Wasiti and Sufi Discourse

Part Two: Wasiti’s Theology

5. Theological Principles

6. God’s Essence

7. The Attributes

8. The Acts

Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Considering the disparate nature of the sources, Silvers does an excellent job situating Wasi?i within the larger eastward movement of Baghdadi Sufism ... Silvers is able to breathe life into Wasi?i's thought.— Review of Middle East Studies

"Silvers' approach is refreshing and useful as she details the historical context as well as the intellectual history of early mystics ... Silvers offers us a comprehensive and comprehensible presentation of the intellectual development of Islamic mysticism and metaphysics within the context of the historical development and spread of Sufism."— NewBooksinIslamicStudies.com

From the Publisher