Islam, Christianity and the Mystic Journey: A Comparative Exploration Paperback - 2011 - 1st Edition

'This innovative book explores the ways of self-abandonment and union with the Divine. It compares the perceptions of renowned Christian and Muslim mystics, relating their self-abnegating insights through common motifs, and repeatedly returning to the mysterious Qur'anic figure of al-Khadir and the colour green he embodies. It challenges the boundaries of single religious traditions, and with striking originality it discloses the quest for union with God as the basis and climax of the highest human endeavour.' Professor David Thomas, University of Birmingham This work of comparative religion focuses on the mystic journey in Islam and Christianity - the journey which every believer must make and which leads to the Divine. The author presents a series of analytical case studies of six key Muslim and Christian mystics (Al-Kalabadhi, Al-Daylami, Al-Qushayri, Julian of Norwich, Thomas Kempis and Teresa of Avila) and their mystical writings and seeks to discover an inner dynamic, coherence and relationship between these figures and their writings. He considers the ways of Perfection on the Mystic Path and asks in what ways these authors have embarked on the mystic journey. He looks at the themes they have in common, as well as their differences, and asks how they envisage the concept of 'union' with the Deity. Key Features * Highly interdisciplinary: embraces both Eastern and Western mystical traditions * Surveys themes as diverse as secular chivalry and union with the Divine * Considers the negative and positive articulations of each tradition Ian Richard Netton is the Sharjah Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, and an internationally acclaimed authority in the field of Islamic Studies. This is the companion volume to Islam, Christianity and Tradition: A Comparative Exploration (Edinburgh University Press, 2006).