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As a result of world events over the past few years, Islam has
entered our consciousness in an unprecedented way. The Qur'an,
guiding text for over one billion Muslims, is being looked to for
answers to questions like: does the Qur'an promote peace and
harmony or discord and conflict, does it contribute to pluralism or
exclusivism, is its message spiritual or fanatical? Based on a
profound study of the Sufi perspective of the likes of Ibn Arabi,
Rumi and Ghazali, "The Other in the Light of the One" is an attempt
to answer the above questions and is an invitation to study the
universality that is present in the Qur'an. Its aim is to relate
some of the most profound interpretations of the Qur'an to
philosophical and spiritual questions concerning interfaith
dialogue. 'The Other in the Light of the One' provides the basis
for dialogue and mutual enrichment on aspects of religious life and
thought that go beyond the outward forms of belief, yielding fruit
not only in the practical domain of peaceful coexistence, but also
in the fields of metaphysical insight and spiritual realisation.
For Muslims, 'The Other in the Light of the One' offers a
pioneering view of 'da'wa', in that it illustrates the tangible
means of putting into practice the many Qur'anic verses that
commend discourse with others in a manner that is 'finest, most
beautiful'('ahsan').
Forging a interfaith dialog between traditions that typically stand
at odds, this groundbreaking book explores the scriptural and
spiritual tenets of Islam and Buddhism in relation to one another,
creating a basis for comparison and analysis of the two traditions.
Written by eminent scholars, this discussion juxtaposes
foundational principles and practices by linking underlining
principles and fostering a mutual appreciation between followers of
both religions. This interfaith volume discusses metaphysical
traditions and philosophical studies born of Islam and Buddhism,
places them in context with each other, thus encouraging
understanding, and providing a point of reference for continued
learning and cooperation.Forging an interfaith dialog between
traditions that typically stand at odds, this groundbreaking book
explores the scriptural and spiritual tenets of Islam and Buddhism
in relation to one another, creating a basis for comparison and
analysis of the two traditions. The discussion juxtaposes
foundational principles and practices by linking underlying
principles and fostering a mutual appreciation between followers of
both religions. This interfaith initiative focuses upon
metaphysical and ethical aspects of Islam and Buddhism, placing
them in context with each other, thus encouraging understanding,
and providing a point of reference for continuing and deepening
reciprocal respect and collaboration. In their respective
introductions to this book, H.H. the Dalai Lama states that the
book helps demonstrate that Islam is indeed a 'path of salvation';
while leading Islamic scholar of jurisprudence, Prof Mohammad
Hashim Kamali, asserts that on the basis of this book one can argue
that Buddhism is an authentic 'deen' or religion.
In 1932, the eminent British scholar of Islam, Sir Hamilton Gibb,
wrote: "The nobility and broad tolerance of this religion [Islam],
which accepted all the real religions of the world as God-inspired,
will always be a glorious heritage for mankind. No other society
has such a record of success in uniting, in an equality of status,
of opportunity, and of endeavor, so many and so various races of
humanity." (Whither Islam?) Such scholarly objectivity towards the
tolerance which has historically characterized the Islamic
tradition as a whole is in short supply these days. Through an
insidious symbiosis of fanatical Muslims and prejudiced
Islamophobes, the very opposite image of Islam has emerged as one
of the most dangerous stereotypes of our times. The most cursory
glance at history will not only reveal the falsity of this
stereotype of an intolerant Islam, it will also reveal the little
known fact that, not so long ago, it was the Islamic world that
provided models of tolerant conduct for a fanatically intolerant
Christian world tearing itself apart over dogmatic differences. The
first part of this monograph examines the historical record of
tolerance in the Islamic tradition, illustrating the expression of
the principle of tolerance through the rule of such dynasties as
the Ottomans, Mughals, Fatimids, and the Umayyads of Spain. In the
second, the principle of tolerance is shown to be rooted in the
spirit of the Qur'anic revelation and embodied in the exemplary
conduct of the Prophet.
The Qur'an is the sacramental foundation of prayer in Islam. Its
inspirational power is perpetually renewed through being recited
and meditated upon by Muslims on a daily basis throughout their
lives. This succinct monograph provides a unique contemporary
insight into the spiritual, intellectual and moral dynamics set in
motion by the short Qur'anic chapters recited in their prayers by
Muslims of all traditions, but which are particularly recommended
within Shi'i Islam. Dr Shah-Kazemi engages creatively with the
chapters of the Qur'an, including the 'Opening' (al-Fatiha)
chapter, basing his own philosophical reflections on the teachings
of Imam 'Ali. He focuses in particular on the relationship between
the moral and the mystical aspects of the texts. The result is a
stimulating philosophical meditation probing the depths of meaning
comprised within the verses of a Revelation by which the spiritual
quest of Muslims has constantly been inspired, nourished and
fulfilled.
If the concept of divine unity dominates the mind, it is the
principle of divine compassion that rules the heart in Islam.
Contrary to the harsh stereotypes of Islam-fostered both by
fanatics within the religion itself, and by biased critics-the
culture of this religion is steeped in the ambience generated by
mercy and compassion, expressions of divine love. This spiritual
culture issues from heartfelt conviction that God is to be taken
absolutely seriously when he declares in the seventh chapter of the
Koran, "My mercy encompasses all."
Drawn from his own translations of the text, scholar and author
Reza Shah-Kazemi has selected key verses from the Koran which
manifest the various facets of this mercy, a mercy which bestows
profound peace and infinite love. In the spirit of "Blessed Are the
Peacemakers," Wendell Berry's collection of quotations from the
Bible, here is a book to help us illuminate an immensely
influential text
As a result of world events over the past few years, Islam has
entered our consciousness in an unprecedented way. The Qur'an,
guiding text for over one billion Muslims, is being looked to for
answers to questions like: does the Qur'an promote peace and
harmony or discord and conflict, does it contribute to pluralism or
exclusivism, is its message spiritual or fanatical? In 'The Other
in the Light of the One', Dr Reza Shah-Kazemi illustrates how,
throughout the centuries, Sufism has traditionally been a bastion
against two tendencies: worldliness and literalism. Based on a
profound study of the Sufi perspectives of the like of Ibn 'Arabi,
Kashani, Rumi and Ghazali, 'The Other in the Light of the One' is
an attempt to answer the above questions and is an invitation to
study the universality that is undoubtedly present in the Qur'an.
Its aim is to relate some of the most profound interpretations of
the Qur'an to philosophical and spiritual questions concerning
interfaith dialogue. However, the purpose is not to just reproduce
the ideas of the Sufis, but to build upon principles, to take
advantage of insights, and to apply them creatively to contemporary
conditions. Shah-Kazemi illustrates how a universalist perspective
based on Sufi hermeneutics provides a third way between secular
pluralism and religious exclusivism. 'The Other in the Light of the
One' provides the faithful of all the different religious
communities with the basis for dialogue and mutual enrichment
within dimensions of religious life and thought that go beyond the
outward forms of belief, yielding fruit not only in the practical
domain of peaceful coexistence, but also and above all, in the
fertile fields of metaphysical insight, immutable values,
contemplative inspiration and spiritual realisation. For Muslims,
'The Other in the Light of the One' offers a pioneering view of
'da'wa', in that it proposes effective ways of putting into
practice the many Qur'anic verses that commend discourse with
others in a manner that is 'finest, most beautiful'('ahsan').
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Forgiveness in Practice (Paperback)
Stephen Hance; Contributions by Howard Cooper, Anthony Bash, Reza Shah-Kazemi, Vajragupta, …
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R643
Discovery Miles 6 430
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Ships in 12 - 17 working days
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Forgiveness has often viewed as a religious obligation but is
increasingly being advocated as a means of healing, release and
promoting wellbeing. Forgiveness is variously viewed as a duty,
virtue or cure, but when it comes to practising forgiveness in real
life we find it is always caught up in the complexity of the
situation. This book shines a light on how we tend to think about
forgiveness in practice, including examples from social work,
family therapy, chaplaincy and criminal justice. The book contains
many different perspectives on how we think about forgiveness,
including overviews of four major religions and reflections from
those working in the healing professions. Without advocating a
particular approach this book raises important questions around
self-forgiveness and forgiving institutions and encourages the
reader to think again about forgiveness and how it impacts,
challenges and transforms relationships.
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