Contemplation and Action: The Spiritual Autobiography of a Muslim Scholar: Nasir al-Din Tusi

by Nasir al-Din al-Tusi

Nasir al-Din Tusi, the renowned Shi'i scholar of the 13th century, produced a wide range of writings in different fields of learning under Ismaili patronage and later under the Mongols. His work brought him great acclaim and, as a result of his changing affiliations in the course of a brilliant scholastic career, he is claimed by both Twelver Shi'i and Ismaili traditions. Contemplation and Action is Tusi's spiritual autobiography in which he recounts details of his early education, his search for knowledge and his eventual conversion to the Ismaili faith. Translated for the first time into English, it is published here with the full Persian text and a substantial introductory essay on Tusi's life and thought.

Genres: Iran, History, Philosophy, Metaphysics

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 1998

About the author

Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Tūsī, better known as Nasir al-Din Tusi, was a Persian polymath, architect, philosopher, physician, scientist, and theologian. One of the greatest scientists of medieval Islam, he is often considered the creator of trigonometry as a mathematical discipline in its own right.

www.goodreads.com/author/show/15513075._

Reviews

[Rickey McKown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, readable translation of al-Tusi's autobiography; I found it of great interest for its description of the distinguishing characteristics of Nizari Isma'ili beliefs regarding the Imamate during the Alamut period.

[Asma · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on religion by a Shia Muslim scholar.