Light Within Me

by Morteza Motahhari, روح الله خمینی, Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai

This book is one of the many Islamic publications distributed by Ahlulbayt Organization throughout the world in different languages with the aim of conveying the message of Islam to the people of the world. You may read this book carefully and should you be interested to have further study on such publications you can contact us through www.shia.es Naturally, if we find you to be a keen and energetic reader we shall give you a deserving response in sending you some other publications of this Organization.

Genres: Islam, Religion

207 pages

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Morteza Motahhari (Persian: مرتضی مطهری) was an Iranian Twelver Shia scholar, philosopher, and lecturer. Motahhari is considered to have an important influence on the ideologies of the Islamic Republic, among others. He was a co-founder of Hosseiniye Ershad and the Combatant Clergy Association (Jāme'e-ye Rowhāniyat-e Mobārez). He was a disciple of Ruhollah Khomeini during the Shah's reign and formed the Council of the Islamic Revolution at Khomeini's request. He was chairman of the council at the time of his assassination.

Reviews

[Ghadeer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely introduction to Islamic mysticism. This is a collection of essays from three scholars and has been translated - so reads a bit clunky in places and the book doesn’t have an overall structure. But as a newbie to gnosis I very much enjoyed reading this and discussing it with my reading group. I love that the book began and ended by bridging the gap between mystics and traditionalists. And I particularly enjoyed the tafseer/ analysis on Surah Fatiha. There was a good balance between discussion of concepts and practical applications.

[Michael Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good in understanding Shia Twelver Theology and Mysticism. Its a very mystical philosophical and devotional approach, although I don’t ascribe to the doctrines which discourage “idol worship” and polytheism. I follow more dharmic ideas of reincarnation, avatars, and manifestations, nirguna brahman that appears into the physical world. However, despite the ideological differences, I think this text illuminates the depth of the Islamic tradition which does not get expressed if one simply reads an English translation of Quran, or if they simply meet a muslim or go to a mosque. The rich intellectual tradition of the Shia Theologians is highly underrated and is not really exposed with respect and tact and accurate treatment to the highly sophisticated and spiritual doctrines in which it prescribes within the folds of Islamic junctions.

[Muhammet · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Light Within Me" consists of three parts.

Part #1 is a general introduction to Irfan (shiite Islamic Spirituality) by Ayatullah Murtaza Mutahhari.
Part #2 is a set of articles by Allama Tabatabai on Spiritual Journey
Part #3 is the spiritual interpretation of the first chapter of the Holy Quran by Imam Khomeini.

I especially love the second and third part. It is a must read for every Muslim and non-Muslim.

[Mark David Vinzens · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The real gnostic is he who worships Allah not, because he hopes for any reward or is afraid of any punishment, but only because he knows Him and loves Him. Gnosis is not a religion like other religions. It is to be regarded as the central and the most vital part of all religions. Gnosis is a perfect way of worship, based on love, not on fear or hope. It is a way of understanding the inner facts of religion instead of being contented with its outward and perceptible form. Among the followers of all revealed religions, even among those who believe in idol-worship there are individuals who follow the path of gnosis. The gnostics are found among the followers of polytheistic religions as well as among the Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians and Muslims.”

~ Allamah Tabatabai

[Light Within Me by Murtadha Mutahhari]



Imam Ja'far Sadiq has said: “There are three categories of the worshippers: ‘Those who worship Allah out of fear; their worship is that of the slaves. Those who worship Allah for the sake of a reward; their worship is that of the wage-earners. Those who worship Allah out of love and earnestness; their worship is that of the freeman. This last is the best form of worship.” (Biharul Anwar, vol. V, p. 208).

[Twaij · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mutahhari provides a clear yet brief history of gnosis and Sufism, presenting some of the common misconceptions.

Disappointed with tabatabai's section, admittedly it is a topic I know little about yet it seems extremely abstract and his arguments appear to have no strong basis.

Khomeini's section was by far the most enlightening. Discussing the important issue of knowledge and certainty.

[Omar Rashed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spiritual uplifting journey, manifest cognizance. Brilliant.

[Taimoor Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It talks about the levels of spirituality and how to attain them. Mostly, taking examples from Sufism and their levels of reverence to spiritual upliftment. Good read if ones searching his/her soul.