Overview

Patterns of Contemplation is a uniquely innovative and comprehensive introduction to the sacred principles and symbolism of geometry, letters and numbers, discussed through the first in-depth analysis and English translation of a major Sufi devotional masterpiece, The Blessing-Prayer of Effusion (al-?alat al-fay?iyya). It examines the kaleidoscopic structure of this prayer on the Prophet Muhammad, who authored it, and how it reveals profound teachings on human perfection.

يُعدّ كتاب Patterns of Contemplation مدخلاً مبتكراً وشاملاً على نحو فريد للمبادئ المقدسة ورمزية الهندسة والحروف والأرقام، حيث يتناولها عبر أول تحليل متعمّق وترجمة باللغة الإنجليزية لتحفة صوفية تعبدية بارزة، هي The Blessing-Prayer of Effusion (al-?alat al-fay?iyya). كما يستكشف الكتاب البنية المتعددة الأوجه والآسرة لهذه الصلاة على النبي محمد، ومن قام بتأليفها، وكيف تكشف عن تعاليم عميقة حول الكمال الإنساني.

Author Biography

Stephen Hirtenstein is director of Anqa Publishing, Senior Research Fellow of the Muhiyddin Ibn Arabi Society and editor of the Society Journal, and a freelance Senior Editor for the Institute of Ismaili Studies (London). His main research interest is in the works of Ibn 'Arabi and his school, and he has numerous publications including the Unlimited Mercifier and translations of Ibn 'Arabi's works. Pablo Beneito is currently Professor (Profesor Titular) at the Department of Translation and Interpretation, Facultad de Letras, University of Murcia. Specialising in the study of Islamic thought and Sufism, he has taught courses and contributed to conferences in some twenty countries and directed more than 30 international congresses. As an author, editor and translator he has published extensively on Ibn 'Arabi and the mystical tradition. In 2011 he became the Director of MIAS Latina (www.ibnarabisociety.es), and since 2014 the Director and Editor of El Azufre Rojo