Sufi Hermeneutics: The Quran Commentary of Rashid Al-Din Maybudi

Annabel Keeler

Paperback, 412 pages

9780198814702

This is the first major study in a Western language of Rashid al-Din Maybudi's Persian commentary on the Qur'an Kashf al-asrar wa 'uddat al-abrar (Unveiling of Mysteries and Provision of the Righteous). Annabel Keeler explores the interplay between scriptural exegesis and mystical doctrine in a twelfth-century Sufi commentary on the Qur'an. Previously little-known outside the Persian-speaking world, it is increasingly recognized as a key work in the development of Sufi Qur'anic interpretation. This volume provides invaluable background for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of Persian mystical poetry and prose, and other major works of Sufi literature. 

Contents

Part I: Hermeneutics 

1. The Hermeneutics of the Kashf al-asrar

2. The Hermeneutics of Mystical Commentary

Part II: Mystical Doctrine 

3. The Development of Love Mysticism in Khurasan

4. God and the Creation

5. Aspects of Spiritual Guidance

6. Mystical Theology and the Way of Love

Part III: Maybudi's Mystical Interpretation of the Stories of the Prophets 

7. Prolegomenon: Prophets in the Qur'an and in Sufi Exegesis

8. The Story of Abraham

9. The Story of Moses

10. The Story of Joseph