Science of the Cosmos Science of the Soul The Pertinence of Islamic Cosmology in the Modern World

SCIENCE OF THE COSMOS SCIENCE OF THE SOUL – The Pertinence of Islamic Cosmology in the Modern World The Pertinence of Islamic Cosmology in the Modern Worl William C. Chittick Authentic Islamic thought is dying, or so argues Chittick in this profound new book. With academic courses either encouraging commercialism, or cultivating zealots, Chittick states that it is impossible to understand classical Islamic texts without the years of contemplative study that are anathema to the modem education system. Insisting upon a return to the ways of the ancient wisdom tradition, which saw the quest for knowledge of the soul, the world, and God as a unifying spiritual discipline, Chittick maintains that the study of Islamic texts cannot be treated separately from self-understanding. Fascinating, radical, and a true challenge to modem trends in academic study, this book opens a new debate in Islamic thought *** “One of the most original and thought-provoking contributions to genuinely Islamic thought in the past half-century.” —James W. Morris *** “Has the power of a complete re-evaluation of the Islamic intellectual tradition. Highly recommended.” —Ravi Ravindra, Dalhousie University *** Chittick is the most exciting writer on Sufism today, combining as he does a genuine passion for the subject with a scholarly objectivity that is truly impressive.” —Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky 140