The Science of Mystic Lights: Qutb al-Din Shirazi and the Illuminationist Tradition of Islamic Philosophy

by John Walbridge

In the late twelfth century the mystical philosopher Suhrawardi developed a metaphysics based on metaphysical light that combined the Islamic Neoplatonism of Avicenna with ideas and symbols drawn from Islamic mysticism, classical Platonism, and Iranian mythology. This book analyzes how Qutb al-Din Shirazi, an Iranian scientist and philosopher of the thirteenth century and a leading exponent of Suhrawardi's thought, understood Suhrawardi's metaphysics of light and how he applied it in his own writings. Also discussed are Shirazi's own views on such subjects as the nature of existence, reincarnation and the transmigration of souls, and the spiritual universe known as the "World of Image." The book contains several appendices, including a detailed bibliography of Shirazi's writings and the text and translation of Shirazi's essay on the World of Image.

Genres: Islam

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Walbridge is an expert on Islamic philosophy and Islamic intellectual history with an emphasis on the cultural role of philosophy and science. " He also researches Graeco-Islamic medicine. His most recent books are "God and Logic in Islam: the Caliphate of Reason" and "The Alexandrian Epitomes of Galen," vol. 1.