Contemplation and Action The Spiritual Autobiography of a Muslim Scholar
I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili Studies
Naṣīr al-Dīn Ṭūsī, a renowned Shiʿi Muslim scholar of the thirteenth century, produced a wide range of writings in different fields of learning under Ismaili patronage and later under the Mongols. His work brought him great acclaim and, as a result of his changing affiliations in the course of a brilliant scholastic career, he is claimed by both the Twelver Shiʿi and Ismaili traditions.
Contemplation and Action is Ṭūsī’s spiritual autobiography, in which he recounts details of his early education, search for knowledge and eventual conversion to the Ismaili faith. It is also a clear and vivid elaboration of the Ismaili doctrine of taʿlim, the need for an authoritative teacher in spiritual knowledge. Translated for the first time into English, it is published here with the full Persian text and an introductory essay on Ṭūsī’s life, his relations with the Ismailis and the significance of his work.
Acknowledgements
Note on the Text
Introduction
Naṣīr aI-Dīn Ṭūsī and the Ismailis
Sayr wa sulūk
Ṭūsī’s other Ismaili works
Contemplation and Action
Notes to the Introduction
Notes to the Translation
Bibliography
Index
Seyyed H. Badakhchani has a doctorate in Islamic Philosophy from the University of Oxford and is a Research Associate at The Institute of Ismaili Studies, London.