This is Part Four of our seven-part series of reflections on the life, influence, and philosophical foundations of the cosmology of Shaykh Aḥmad Ibn Zayniddīn al-Aḥsāʾī. Here we focus on the phenomenon of Shaykhism. Contents of the seven parts of this series: Life, Travels, Character and Charisma Works: Opera Majora and Minora Legacy and...
Read MoreShaykh Aḥmad al-Aḥsāʾī: Part 3.i – Students, Close Disciples, Licensees, and Other Contemporaries
Here is Part Three of our seven-part series of reflections on the life, influence, and philosophical foundations of the cosmology of Shaykh Aḥmad Ibn Zayniddīn al-Aḥsāʾī. This post focuses on some of the prominent disciples, licensees, admirers, and select contemporaries of the Shaykh, including some of the Sufis. Contents of the seven parts of...
Read MoreShaykh Aḥmad al-Aḥsāʾī: Part 2 – Works (Opera Majora and Opera Minora)
Here is Part Two of our seven-part series of reflections on the life, influence, and philosophical foundations of the cosmology of Shaykh Aḥmad Ibn Zayniddīn al-Aḥsāʾī. This post focuses on the writings of the Shaykh, primarily his opera majora (larger works). Contents of the seven parts of this series: Life, Travels, Character and...
Read MoreShaykh Aḥmad Ibn Zayniddīn al-Aḥsāʾī: Part 1 – Life, Travels, Character and Charisma
A number of brothers and sisters have requested more information in English on Shaykh Aḥmad Ibn Zayniddīn al-Aḥsāʾī. This post constitutes the first in a seven-part series of reflections on the life, influence, and philosophical foundations of the cosmology of Shaykh Aḥmad. This series is based mostly upon a chapter this author has written, in...
Read MoreTo revert, or not to revert, that is the question
The past few years have witnessed a movement of converts to Islam/Walāyah calling themselves “reverts.” The idea, I suppose, is to capture the notion that Islam/Walāyah is not something that one converts to but rather something one returns to. But choosing the word ‘revert’ is like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Yes, the word...
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