The story of Muhammad's Night
Journey and Ascension, in which the
Prophet travels from Mecca to
Jerusalem to Heaven and back in the course of a single night, has
enchanted Muslim
audiences for centuries; but for the Sufi mystics, the tale took on a
special significance, becoming a fulcrum for their teachings. This book includes a never-before-published translation of first-millenium Sufi writings on the Ascension, an extensive annotation and commentary, an edition of the original Arabic text, and an appendix containing invaluable material for the specialist. Finally, beautiful color plates of relevant Persian miniatures and Quranic manuscripts add rich visual accompaniments. The work will appeal to both a general audience and specialists interested in mysticism, Sufism, otherworldly journeys, medieval folklore, and Islamic studies.
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