Why this book?
- Acquaintance with the life and thought of one of the most important figures of Iranian mysticism.
- An examination of Kharaqani's sayings and ecstatic utterances (shathiyat) in their historical and mystical context.
- Recognition of the main sources about Kharaqani, such as Nur al-Ulum and Tazkirat al-Awliya.
- An independent scholarly study by a contemporary researcher on one of the great Iranian mystics.
- Understanding the connection between mysticism, ethics, and Iranian culture in Sufi works.
About the book
The book "Sheikh Abol-Hasan Kharaqani," written by Christiane Tortel and translated by Abdolmohammad Rouhbakhshan, addresses the life and thoughts of one of the most influential Iranian mystics. Despite lacking formal education, Kharaqani's sayings spread among mystics and the common people, making him an enduring figure in Iran's mystical tradition.
In this book, Tortel examines Kharaqani's states and sayings based on two important sources: "Nur al-Ulum" and the accounts in Attar's Tazkirat al-Awliya. The book is not merely a biography of a Sufi; it is an attempt to understand Kharaqani's place in the history of Islamic mysticism, his connection with mystics before and after him, and an analysis of the linguistic and spiritual characteristics of his sayings.
Among the important sections of the book are the examination of Kharaqani's portrait, the significant figures of his era, his relationship with Mahmud of Ghazni, and his status as a titleless mystic. This work is suitable for enthusiasts of Iranian mysticism, the history of Sufism, mystical literature, and researchers of Iranian culture.