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A grand tour of some of the most influential thinkers and enduring practices of Islam, exploring ideas about language that continue to shape scholarship, life, and art.
While Islam is almost as varied as its nearly two billion adherents, most Muslims embrace the truth of divine revelation and the Quran as God’s word. This belief in a “speaking God,” one who communicates sublime words to humans, has left its mark everywhere on the Muslim world, including in its philosophies, arts, and cultural achievements.
In this new introduction to Islam, author Cyrus Ali Zargar takes a unique approach by exploring how the power of words has profoundly shaped Muslims’ lives across centuries and continents. From Quranic calligraphy and the powers of prayer with the poet Rūmī to the interpretation of dreams with Sufi philosopher Ibn ʿArabī, readers will come away with a deep appreciation for Islam and its practices.
Cyrus Ali Zargar is Al-Ghazali Distinguished Professor of Islamic Studies and Professor of Religion and Cultural Studies at the University of Central Florida and author of several books, including Religion of Love: Sufism and Self-Transformation in the Poetic Imagination of ʿAṭṭār.
“A compelling, beautifully written, and magical book about Islam, language, literature, and faith. Cyrus Ali Zargar has written the book so many of us have been waiting for: a study of Islam that provides its history, major figures, rituals, traditions, and literary genres. An important contribution to the study of Islam and an ideal text for the classroom, Sacred Language takes us on a journey through Islam’s past and present, its contemplative traditions, and its many beautiful words, verses, and poems.”—Sophia Rose Arjana, Professor of Religious Studies, Western Kentucky University
“A welcome and fresh introduction to Islam as it is lived. Zargar does an admirable job explaining the nature of premodern theological, philosophical, and historical trends and their relevance to contemporary society. An excellent choice for introductory courses as well as for interested nonacademic readers.”—Jamal J. Elias, Annenberg Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Islamic History and Visual Culture, University of Pennsylvania
“Zargar uses the powerful theme of divine communication to open up the spiritual experiences that motivate Islam. Drawing on prayers, poetry, and dreams, he demonstrates the power of the word for Muslims.”—Carl W. Ernst, William R. Kenan, Jr., Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill