The Art of Cultivating
Noble Character : New,
[A5+] Hardback inc Dustjacket - 303 pages,
An Annotated Translation with an Introduction of
Imam Raghib al-Isfahani's
Kitab al-Dhari'a ila Makarim al-Shari'ah,
Transl. by Yasien Mohamed,
Published by White Thread Press.
Now in Stock - February 2025
Description :
This groundbreaking translation revives Imam Raghib al-Isfahani's seminal ethical treatise, integrating Qur'anic principles with philosophical depth. Isfahani's timeless exploration of moral virtue, the soul and spiritual refinement is characterized by his unique weaving of Qur'anic verses and Prophetic traditions into ethical discourse.
Yasien Mohamed, Emeritus Professor of Arabic and Islamic Philosophy at the University of the Western Cape, brings Imam Isfahani's insights tothe English speaking world. The Art of Cultivating Noble Character offers a rich, contemplative journey into Islamic moral thought, ideal for philosophy students, spiritual growth seekers and those deepening their understanding of Islamic virtue ethics.
Following a meticulous three-year review, this expertly translated edition, featuring a critical introduction, is now available from Madani Propagation. As a seminal influence on thinkers like Imam al-Ghazali, al-Isfahani's masterpiece continues to provide timleless wisdom for life's most pressing moral questions.
Review:
" You hold in your hands one of the most important books of the Islamic tradition. The proof of Islam, Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, may Allah be pleased with him, memorised by heart Kitab al-Dhari'a. Anyone familiar with Imam Ghazali's works will recognise the immense influence this book had on him... We owe a great debt to Dr Yasien Mohamed for bringing this exceptional work into English... With excellent knowledge of Arabic and English, coupled with a serious background in ethics, he provides us with a translation that works well and conveys the contents of the Imam's works." ---Hamza Yusuf, Zaytuna College, USA.
About the Author :
Imam Raghib al-Isfahani, who passed away around 1040 CE, remains a figure of great interest despite the scarcity of biographical details. His surviving works provide critical insights into his character and intellectual context. As a Persian philosopher and a man of letters, he was revered for his piety, humility, and generosity towards his scholarly peers. His anthology, Muhadarat, reflects his deeply humble nature, seeking refuge in Allah and acknowledging his limitations.
Classical scholars esteemed him as one of Islam's sages, comparing him to Imam Ghazali, who reportedly carried the Dhari'a on his journeys. As scholarly research continues to uncover the nuances of his life and thought, Raghib al-Isfahani's remarkable legacy comes into focus.
Also see Islamic Philosophy,
A5 plus. Hardback with Dustjacket
Dimensions : 23.5 x 16cm.