A History Of Muslim Philosophy – Vol. 1: With short accounts of other disciplines and the modern renaissance in Muslim lands

Mian Mohammad Sharif

Paperback, 798 Pages, Black & White
6.69 x 9.61 Inches
Qadeem Press

Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Islamic intellectual history with “A History of Muslim Philosophy” by M. M. Sharif. This monumental work meticulously unravels the philosophical tapestry that has shaped Muslim thought across centuries and continents. From the dawn of civilization to the modern era, this magnum opus offers a comprehensive exploration of the myriad philosophical currents that have coursed through the Muslim world.

Volume I serves as a gateway to this captivating odyssey, delving into the pre-Islamic philosophical traditions that laid the foundation for the emergence of Islam. Through meticulous scholarship and insightful analysis, the reader is transported to ancient India, China, Iran, and Greece, where the seeds of wisdom were sown long before the advent of Islam. From the enigmatic musings of ancient sages to the profound teachings of the Qur’an, each chapter unveils a new facet of the intellectual landscape, inviting readers to traverse the corridors of time in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to a diverse cast of thinkers, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Muslim philosophy. From the pioneering insights of Al-Kindi and Ibn Sina to the profound mysticism of Al-Ghazali, the intellectual landscape teems with vibrant personalities whose ideas continue to resonate across the ages. Through their writings and teachings, they grapple with timeless questions of existence, ethics, and the nature of reality, offering profound insights that transcend the boundaries of time and space.

Yet, “A History of Muslim Philosophy” is more than a mere chronicle of ideas; it is a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge that has animated Muslim scholars throughout the ages. From the bustling streets of Baghdad to the serene libraries of Andalusia, the reader is transported to a world where learning flourished and intellectual inquiry knew no bounds. Here, amidst the towering minarets and bustling souks, scholars debated and deliberated, their voices echoing through the corridors of time as testaments to the power of human intellect and the pursuit of truth.

But this journey is not merely a stroll down memory lane; it is an invitation to engage with ideas that continue to shape our world today. As the global community grapples with complex issues ranging from ethics to governance, the insights gleaned from Muslim philosophy offer invaluable guidance and wisdom. Whether pondering the nature of justice or the foundations of moral conduct, the writings of Muslim philosophers resonate with a timeless relevance that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.

In the pages of “A History of Muslim Philosophy,” readers will find not only a treasure trove of knowledge but also an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. Whether scholars or seekers, students or teachers, all who wander through these pages are bound to emerge enriched, enlightened, and inspired. So, embark on this epic voyage of discovery and let the wisdom of the ages illuminate your path to understanding.

Table of Contents:

VOLUME I

Book One: Pre-Islamic Philosophical Thought

Part 1

I. Pre-Islamic Indian Thought – C.A. Qadir

II. Pre-Islamic Chinese Thought – Howard F. Didsbury, Jr.

III. Pre-Islamic Iranian Thought – Alessandro Bausani

IV. Greek Thought – M.M. Sharif

V. Alexandrio-Syriac Thought – C.A. Qadir

Part 2

VI. Pre-Islamic Arabian Thought – Shaikh Inayatullah

Book Two: Advent of Islam: Fundamental Teachings of the Qur’an

VII. Philosophical Teachings of the Qur’an – M.M. Sharif

VIII. Ethical Teachings of the Qur’an – B.A. Dar

IX. Economic and Political Teachings of the Qur’an – Abul Ala Maudoodi

Book Three: Early Centuries (From the First/Seventh Century to the Fall of Baghdad)

Part 1: Theologico-Philosophical Movements

X. Mu’tazilism – Mir Valiuddin

XI. Ash’arism – M. Abdul Hye

XII. Tahawism – A.K.M. Ayyub Ali

XIII. Maturidism – A.K.M. Ayyub Ali

XIV. Zahirism – Omar A. Farrukh

XV. Ikhwan al-Safa – Omar A. Farrukh

Part 2: The Sufis

XVI. Early Sufis: Doctrine – M. Hamiduddin

XVII. Early Sufis (Continued):

A. Sufis Before al-Hallaj – B.A. Dar

B. Al-Hallaj – Louis Massignon

XVIII. ‘Abd al-Qadir Jilani and Shihab al-Din Suhrawardi – B.A. Dar

XIX. Shihab al-Din Suhrawardi Maqtül – Seyyed Hossein Nasr

XX. Ibn ‘Arabi – A.E. Affifi

Part 3: The “Philosophers”

XXI. Al-Kindi – Ahmed Fouad El-Ehwany

XXII. Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Rāzi – Abdurrahman Badawi

XXIII. Al-Farabi – Ibrahim Madkour

XXIV. Miskawaih – Abdurrahman Badawi

XXV. Ibn Sina – Fazlur Rahman

XXVI. Ibn Bajjah – Muhammad Saghir Hasan al-Ma’sumi

XXVII. Ibn Tufail – Bakhtyar Husain Siddiqi

XXVIII. Ibn Rushd – Ahmed Fouad El-Ehwany

XXIX. Naşir al-Din Tüsi – Bakhtyar Husain Siddiqi

Part 4: The Middle-Roaders

XXX. Al-Ghazāli: Metaphysics – M. Saeed Sheikh

XXXI. Al-Ghazali (Continued):

A. Mysticism – M. Saeed Sheikh

B. Ethics – Abdul Khaliq

C. Influence – M. Saeed Sheikh

XXXII. Fakhr al-Din Rāzi – Seyyed Hossein Nasr

Part 5: Political Thinkers

XXXIII. Political Thought in Early Islam – Abul Ala Maudoodi

XXXIV. Abu Hanifah and Abu Yûsuf – Abul Ala Maudoodi

XXXV. Al-Farabi – Muhammad Saghir Hasan al-Ma’sumi

XXXVI. Al-Mawardi – Muhammad Qamaruddin Khan

XXXVII. Political Theory of the Shrites – Syed Abid Ali Abid

XXXVIII. Nigām al-Mulk Tüsi – M. Ruknuddin Hassan

XXXIX. Al-Ghazali – Leonard Binder