Overview

Examining how three medieval Sufi Qur'an commentators explained the story of Moses' journey with al-Khidr, this volume conveys various teachings about the path of Sufism and the nature of spiritual authority. These commentaries, translated for the first time, discuss essential themes of Sufism as written by practicing Sufi masters. As the text reflects on both the social and psychological dimensions of the master-disciple relationship in Sufism and distinguish between the instructing master (shaykh al-ta'lim) and the mentoring master (shaykh al-suhba), a comparison is also made between the Sufi interpretation of death, immortality, compassion, and inner knowledge and Ernest Becker's theory of the denial of death and the aspiration for both physical and symbolic immortality.

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9781891785900

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Reviews

The story of Moses and Khidr stands at the very heart of the Islamic mystical tradition. It's all here: the relationship between a master and a seeker; mysteries and paradox; the path, parting, and union; and above all, intimate knowledge from God's own presence. No one, no one, has done more to unpack and explore this narrative than H. Talat Halman, and this long-anticipated volume is most enthusiastically recommended for all students of Islam, as well as readers of all spiritual traditions who seek the mysteries. A must read! --Omid Safi, professor, Islamic Studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

H. Talat Halman here provides a rewarding meditation on the crucial Qur'anic story of al-Khidr and Moses. Framed in terms of death and immortality, this book opens a window onto one of the world's richest and most enigmatic spiritual narratives, which continues to resonate across religious boundaries. --Carl W. Ernst, Kenan Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Hugh Talat Halman's forensic analysis reviews what others have said of Khidr and Moses, looking at a treasure trove of scriptural, hagiographical, and folkloric material on the Islamic Green Man. But, it also adds a radically new, and refreshingly existential, perspective. . . . This pioneering study by Halman brings to light features of Khidr-Moses not clearly fore grounded by others, with productive benefit for all future enquirers into this wellspring of Muslim spirituality. --Bruce B. Lawrence, Nancy & Jeffrey Marcus Humanities Professor Emeritus, Duke University The story of Moses and Khidr stands at the very heart of the Islamic mystical tradition. It's all here: the relationship between a master and a seeker; mysteries and paradox; the path, parting, and union; and above all, intimate knowledge from God's own presence. No one, no one, has done more to unpack and explore this narrative than H. Talat Halman, and this long-anticipated volume is most enthusiastically recommended for all students of Islam, as well as readers of all spiritual traditions who seek the mysteries. A must read! --Omid Safi, professor, Islamic Studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Author Information

H. Talat Halman is an assistant professor of religion at Central Michigan University and a contributor to various publications, including A Portrait of Contemporary Indonesian Islam and Voices of Islam. He has given numerous lectures for and has participated in panel discussions at universities, conferences, and congregations across the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, and Indonesia. He lives in Mount Pleasant, Michigan.

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