title: Sufi Aesthetics: Beauty, Love, and the Human Form in the Writings of Ibn 'Arabi and 'Iraqi' (Studies in Comparative Religion)
author:  Cyrus Ali Zargar 
description: "This is an excellent addition to the study of Sufi poetry in Arabic and Persian and a fine defense of the notion that such poetry needs to be situated within the conceptual universe of the poets. The author makes deft use of both primary and secondary sources to bring home his points, focusing on the most sophisticated of the Sufi theoreticians, Ibn 'Arabi and drawing support from several important figures in the Persian tradition, not least Iraqi." <br /><br />--William Chittick, Stony Brook University<br /><br /><span>In this thoroughly original work, Zargar explores the subtle and manifold connections between divine and human beauty and their correlates in the sphere of love, basing himself on the writings of two apparently disparate representatives of Sufi tradition as well as their relevant predecessors. His concern, however, is not with mere textual analysis; what emerges from his book is rather a coherent and integrated portrayal of exactly what the title promises -- the aesthetics of Sufism as expressed in its poetry and practice.</span><br /><br /> <span>--Hamid Algar, UC Berkeley</span><br /><br />"By clarifying the inherent aesthetic values of the Islamic mystical tradition, Zargar has done much to put the discussion of beauty and the unique perceptive experience of gnostics centre stage. This is a useful, scholarly and clearly written book, bringing together many disparate texts . . . in a fresh translation, and it will certainly appeal to anyone interested in Ibn 'Arabi's teachings."<br /><br /><span id="span_contact_Locked_A3N0IFGMZBCB9I" style="display: inline;">--Stephen Hirtenstein, Journal of the Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society.'</span>
zlib_text: > The Lover
  
  A Sufi Mystery
  
  Laury Silvers
  
  Published by Laury Silvers, Kindle Direct Publishing,
  
  Copyright © Laury Silvers, 2019 All Rights Reserved
  
  Cover calligraphy and art by Abdulhussein Alrekabi,
  
  copyright © Laury Silvers, 2019 All Rights Reserved
  
  This is a work of fiction based on historical places, circumstances, and, in
  some cases, historical persons as read through primary sources of the period
  and secondary scholarship concerning it. All historical places, persons, and
  interpretations are ultimately the product of the author’s imagination.
  
  Limited selected quotes adapted from secondary and primary sources fall under
  “Fair Use.” Alexander Knysh kindly gave his permission for the use of
  quotations adapted from his translation of al-Qushayri’s _Epistle on Sufism_.
  
  ISBN [978-1-9991228-4-3](https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/ciss-
  ssci/app/index.php?fuseaction=logbook.edit&publication=619283&lang=eng)
  (paperback)
  
  ISBN [978-1-9991228-3-6](https://www.collectionscanada.gc.c