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Islamic Life and Thought
Published by State University of New York.
- GenresIslamReligionPhilosophy
232 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
20 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Seyyed Hossein Nasr
248 books725 followersSeyyed Hossein Nasr was born on April 7, 1933 (19 Farvadin 1312 A.H. solar) in Tehran into a family of distinguished scholars and physicians. His father, Seyyed Valiallah, a man of great learning and piety, was a physician to the Iranian royal family, as was his father before him. The name "Nasr" which means "victory" was conferred on Professor Nasr's grandfather by the King of Persia. Nasr also comes from a family of Sufis. One of his ancestors was Mulla Seyyed Muhammad Taqi Poshtmashhad, who was a famous saint of Kashan, and his mausoleum which is located next to the tomb of the Safavid king Shah Abbas, is still visited by pilgrims to this day.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr, currently University Professor of Islamic Studies at the George Washington University, Washington D.C. is one of the most important and foremost scholars of Islamic, Religious and Comparative Studies in the world today. Author of over fifty books and five hundred articles which have been translated into several major Islamic, European and Asian languages, Professor Nasr is a well known and highly respected intellectual figure both in the West and the Islamic world. An eloquent speaker with a charismatic presence, Nasr is a much sought after speaker at academic conferences and seminars, university and public lectures and also radio and television programs in his area of expertise. Possessor of an impressive academic and intellectual record, his career as a teacher and scholar spans over four decades.
Professor Nasr began his illustrious teaching career in 1955 when he was still a young and promising, doctoral student at Harvard University. Over the years, he has taught and trained an innumerable number of students who have come from the different parts of the world, and many of whom have become important and prominent scholars in their fields of study.
He has trained different generations of students over the years since 1958 when he was a professor at Tehran University and then, in America since the Iranian revolution in 1979, specifically at Temple University in Philadelphia from 1979 to 1984 and at the George Washington University since 1984 to the present day. The range of subjects and areas of study which Professor Nasr has involved and engaged himself with in his academic career and intellectual life are immense. As demonstrated by his numerous writings, lectures and speeches, Professor Nasr speaks and writes with great authority on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from philosophy to religion to spirituality, to music and art and architecture, to science and literature, to civilizational dialogues and the natural environment.
For Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr, the quest for knowledge, specifically knowledge which enables man to understand the true nature of things and which furthermore, "liberates and delivers him from the fetters and limitations of earthly existence," has been and continues to be the central concern and determinant of his intellectual life.
Seyyed Hossein Nasr, currently University Professor of Islamic Studies at the George Washington University, Washington D.C. is one of the most important and foremost scholars of Islamic, Religious and Comparative Studies in the world today. Author of over fifty books and five hundred articles which have been translated into several major Islamic, European and Asian languages, Professor Nasr is a well known and highly respected intellectual figure both in the West and the Islamic world. An eloquent speaker with a charismatic presence, Nasr is a much sought after speaker at academic conferences and seminars, university and public lectures and also radio and television programs in his area of expertise. Possessor of an impressive academic and intellectual record, his career as a teacher and scholar spans over four decades.
Professor Nasr began his illustrious teaching career in 1955 when he was still a young and promising, doctoral student at Harvard University. Over the years, he has taught and trained an innumerable number of students who have come from the different parts of the world, and many of whom have become important and prominent scholars in their fields of study.
He has trained different generations of students over the years since 1958 when he was a professor at Tehran University and then, in America since the Iranian revolution in 1979, specifically at Temple University in Philadelphia from 1979 to 1984 and at the George Washington University since 1984 to the present day. The range of subjects and areas of study which Professor Nasr has involved and engaged himself with in his academic career and intellectual life are immense. As demonstrated by his numerous writings, lectures and speeches, Professor Nasr speaks and writes with great authority on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from philosophy to religion to spirituality, to music and art and architecture, to science and literature, to civilizational dialogues and the natural environment.
For Professor Seyyed Hossein Nasr, the quest for knowledge, specifically knowledge which enables man to understand the true nature of things and which furthermore, "liberates and delivers him from the fetters and limitations of earthly existence," has been and continues to be the central concern and determinant of his intellectual life.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 25, 2016
Good read to have an overview on Sunni and Shia intellectual tradition, as well as the Perennial outlook on things. Great book indeed. I gave it 3 because of its pedantry nature.
April 29, 2023
In "Islamic Life and Thought," Seyyed Hossein Nasr provides an insightful and comprehensive exploration of Islamic philosophy and spirituality. Drawing on his vast knowledge of Islamic tradition and contemporary scholarship, Nasr offers a nuanced and multifaceted account of the Islamic worldview.
One of the strengths of this book is Nasr's ability to present Islamic thought in a way that is both accessible and rigorous. He introduces readers to key concepts and figures in Islamic philosophy and mysticism, including the likes of Ibn Sina, Ibn Arabi, and Rumi, without sacrificing depth or complexity. Nasr also weaves together historical, theological, and philosophical strands of Islamic thought to create a rich and compelling narrative.
Another notable aspect of "Islamic Life and Thought" is Nasr's emphasis on the unity of knowledge and the interconnectedness of all things. He argues that the Islamic worldview is holistic and integrated, with spiritual and material dimensions that are inextricably linked. This perspective offers a powerful counterpoint to the reductionism and fragmentation of modern Western thought.
One of the book's noteworthy aspects is Nasr's emphasis on highlighting the achievements and contributions of Islamic civilization to human civilization throughout history. While he acknowledges the challenges and shortcomings faced by Islamic societies, Nasr's idealistic portrayal of their accomplishments and positive impact on the world makes the book a valuable resource for those seeking to appreciate the richness of Islamic thought and its significant influence on global history.
Overall, "Islamic Life and Thought" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about Islamic philosophy and spirituality. Nasr's erudition and insight are on full display throughout the book, making it a rewarding read for both scholars and general readers alike.
One of the strengths of this book is Nasr's ability to present Islamic thought in a way that is both accessible and rigorous. He introduces readers to key concepts and figures in Islamic philosophy and mysticism, including the likes of Ibn Sina, Ibn Arabi, and Rumi, without sacrificing depth or complexity. Nasr also weaves together historical, theological, and philosophical strands of Islamic thought to create a rich and compelling narrative.
Another notable aspect of "Islamic Life and Thought" is Nasr's emphasis on the unity of knowledge and the interconnectedness of all things. He argues that the Islamic worldview is holistic and integrated, with spiritual and material dimensions that are inextricably linked. This perspective offers a powerful counterpoint to the reductionism and fragmentation of modern Western thought.
One of the book's noteworthy aspects is Nasr's emphasis on highlighting the achievements and contributions of Islamic civilization to human civilization throughout history. While he acknowledges the challenges and shortcomings faced by Islamic societies, Nasr's idealistic portrayal of their accomplishments and positive impact on the world makes the book a valuable resource for those seeking to appreciate the richness of Islamic thought and its significant influence on global history.
Overall, "Islamic Life and Thought" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about Islamic philosophy and spirituality. Nasr's erudition and insight are on full display throughout the book, making it a rewarding read for both scholars and general readers alike.
abandoned
June 25, 2015Sadly put on hold until such time as Amazon reformats the Kindle version I have to be readable. :(
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews