The Elements Of Islamic Metaphysics

The Elements of Islamic Metaphysics, an English translation of Sayyid Tabatabais Bidayat al-Hikmah, is a succinct manual that represents a new approach to the teaching of Islamic philosophy. It provides a useful overview of twentieth-century philosophy in Iran, and traces the development of philosophical thought in the context of a religious tradition whose intellectual character was determined to a large extent by the contents of the Quranic revelation and the prophetic teachings. At the same time, it demonstrates how philosophical thought is by nature independent of religious doctrine and differs from theology, which depends on revelation and tradition. The translation is accompanied by a glossary of philosophical terms and explanatory notes. This second edition has been carefully revised for clarity. The terminology has been updated and new annotations have been added.

A new approach to the teaching of Islamic philosophy by the renowned Islamic philosopher Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, this work provides a useful overview of twentieth-century philosophy in Iran and the development of philosophy in the Islamic religious tradition. While balancing the philosophical tradition with Quran and hadith, the author demonstrates the mutual independence of theology and philosophy and the lasting harmony between reason and revelation in the Islamic tradition.

"Originally written for the Conference of Great Religions held at Lahore on December 26-29, 1896, the Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam has since served as an introduction to Islam for seekers after the truth and religious knowledge in different parts of the world. The present issue includes several "lost" pages not included in the essay that was read out at Lahore. It deals with the following five broad themes, set by the moderators of the Conference: 1. The physical, moral and spiritual states of man 2. The state of man after death 3. The object of man's life and the means to its attainment 4. The operation of the practical ordinances of the Law in this life and the next 5. Sources of Divine knowledge."--Publisher's description.

The Universal Science (ʿIlm-i kullī) by Mahdī Ḥaʾiri Yazdī is a concise and authoritative introduction to the fundamental discussions in Islamic metaphysics. This short work offers an accessible, lucid, and deeply learned, guide through the ‘living tradition’ of Shīʿī philosophy.

Short History of Islamic Philosophy -- Main Controversies -- Knowledge -- Mysticism -- Ontology -- Ethics -- Politics -- Question of Transmission -- Language -- Islamic Philosophy Today -- Does Islam Need an Enlightenment?