Na畊Ｄr al-D朝n 畊笛s朝, a renowned Shi平i Muslim scholar of the thirteenth century, produced a wide range of writings in different fields of learning under Ismaili patronage and later under the Mongols. His work brought him great acclaim and, as a result of his changing affiliations in the course of a brilliant scholastic career, he is claimed by both the Twelver Shi平i and Ismaili traditions.
Contemplation and Action is 畊笛s朝s spiritual autobiography, in which he recounts details of his early education, search for knowledge and eventual conversion to the Ismaili faith. It is also a clear and vivid elaboration of the Ismaili doctrine of 岳温平鉛庄馨, the need for an authoritative teacher in spiritual knowledge. Translated for the first time into English, it is published here with the full Persian text and an introductory essay on 畊笛s朝s life, his relations with the IsmailisAdherents of a branch of Shi’i Islam that considers Ismail, the eldest son of the Shi’i Imam Ja平far al-畊diq (d. 765), as his successor. and the significance of his work.
Acknowledgements
Note on the Text
Introduction
Na畊Ｄr aI-D朝n 畊笛s朝 and the Ismailis
Sayr wa sul笛k
畊笛s朝s other Ismaili works
Contemplation and Action
Notes to the Introduction
Notes to the Translation
Bibliography
Index
Seyyed H. Badakhchani has a doctorate in Islamic Philosophy from the University of Oxford and is a Research Associate at 今叔利, London.