Download or read book Mystical Vision and Thought in Medieval Sufism written by R. S. Bhatnagar and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Philosophical assessment of abstract and symbolic notions underlying the spiritual visions of the saints is not an easy task. Professor Bhatnagar has admirably done this work. In ten chapters of this treatise he clarifies the mystical experiences and sayings of medieval Muslim saints and examines them from philosophical standpoint. This monograph has its groundings in intensive study of the primary sources in the original like Kashf al-Mahjub of Al-Hujwiri, Risala of Al-Qushayri, Kitab al-luma' of Al-Sarraj, Kitab al-ta' arruf of Kalabadhi and Tadhikirat al-awliya' of 'Attar. Quotations of the saints have been given in original language. Professor Bhatnagar feels that the teachings of the prophet of Islam are best understood by the Sufis on account of their mystical experiences gained on the Path of God. According to the author, the chief tenets of medieval Sufism are mahabbat (love for God), ma 'rifa (knowledge of God) and al-tawhid (soul's unification with God). Besides, this work is an impartial assessment of divergent taruq (Sufi sects) and schools of Sufi thought. In addition, the author has examined the philosophical doctrines of the eminent Sufis of India. by an Indian scholar of Philosophy and Islamic mysticism is an excellent addition to the existing knowledge of Sufi thought.