The science of mystic lights : Quṭb al-Dīn Shīrāzī and the illuminationist tradition in Islamic philosophy

In the late 12th century the mystical philosopher Suhrawardi developed a metaphysics based on metaphysical light that combined the Islamic Neoplatonism of Avicenna with ideas and symbols drawn from Islamic mysticism, classical Platonism and Iranian mythology. This book analyzes how Qutb al-Din Shirazi, an Iranian scientist and philosopher of the 13th century and a leading exponent of Suhrawardi's thought, understood Suhrawardi's metaphysics of light and how he applied it in his own writings. Also discussed are Shirazi's own views on such subjects as the nature of existence, reincarnation and the transmigration of souls, and the spiritual universe known as the World of Image. The book contains several appendices, including a bibliography of Shirazi's writings and the text and translation of Shirazi's essay on the World of Image.… (more)