Degrees of Excellence: A Fatimid Treatise on Leadership in Islam (Ismaili Texts and Translations) (Arabic Edition)

Annotation. Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Naysaburi (996-1021) lived at the pinnacle of Fatimid rule in Egypt. One of the most distinguished scholars of his time, several important works are accredited to him. However, it is his major treatise - the Kitab Ithbat al-imama - which is of seminal importance in the philosophical development of medieval Muslim thought. It is in this work - which is here presented in a completely fresh edition and a new translation - that al-Naysaburi daringly uses rational tools to explain and expound his theology, rather than base his assertions exclusively on the authority of the Qur'an and Hadith. Seeking to affirm the imamate from a philosophical perspective, he uses numerous devices to bolster his thesis, ranging from the so-called ten categories of the philosophers to several biological metaphors from plants and trees to animals and minerals. His foremost device is the theory of 'degrees of excellence'. Accepting that there are differences and disparities within each genus and species, he gives paradigms of perfect examples in each variety, and demonstrates in a parallel manner that it is the Imam who stands at the apex of humanity I.B. Tauris in association with the Institute of Ismaili StudiesOne of the most distinguished scholars of his time, Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Naysaburi lived during the height of Fatimid rule in Egypt. He came from Nishapur, the centre of the Ismaili da'wa in Khurasan, a thriving centre of learning particularly noted for its use of rationalistic philosophy. Several important works are accredited to him, but it is the'Kitab ithbat al-imama'which is of particular significance for the development of philosophy in medieval Islamic thought. In this work, presented here in a new edition and translation, al-Naysaburi allows us to understand not only the significance of his own thought, but also the beliefs of his age. Rather than basing his assertions exclusively on the authority of the Qur'an and hadith, he applies rational tools to explain his theology, providing a philosophical affirmation of the imamate by presenting a range of arguments, foremost amongst which is the theory of the'degrees of excellence'.'Degrees of Excellence'offers the first book-length study of this hitherto unknown scholar of the early 5th/11th century.This invaluable source of Fatimid historiography will prove essential reading for students of Islamic history, philosophy and theology. It will also serve as a useful reference for modern Shi'i communities of all persuasions. "One of the most distinguished scholars of his time, Ahmad b. Ibrahim al-Naysaburi lived during the height of Fatimid rule in Egypt. He came from Nishapur, the centre of the Ismaili da'wa in Khurasan, a thriving centre of learning particularly noted for its use of rationalistic philosophy. Several important works are accredited to him, but it is the "Kitab ithbat al-imama" which is of particular significance for the development of philosophy in medieval Islamic thought. In this work, presented here in a new edition and translation, al-Naysaburi allows us to understand not only the significance of his own thought, but also the beliefs of his age. Rather than basing his assertions exclusively on the authority of the Qur'an and hadith, he applies rational tools to explain his theology, providing a philosophical affirmation of the imamate by presenting a range of arguments, foremost amongst which is the theory of the 'degrees of excellence'. "Degrees of Excellence" offers the first book-length study of this hitherto unknown scholar of the early 5th/11th century. This invaluable source of Fatimid historiography will prove essential reading for students of Islamic history, philosophy and theology. It will also serve as a useful reference for modern Shi'i communities of all persuasions."--Bloomsbury publishing Contents......Page 12 Preface and Acknowledgements......Page 14 Introduction......Page 18 The Author and his Works......Page 21 The Contents of Kitāb ithbāt al-imāma......Page 26 Themes in the Text......Page 29 Degrees of Excellence......Page 34 Description of Arabic Manuscripts......Page 43 Notes on Translation......Page 44 Translation of Kitāb ithbāt al-imāma: Book of Affirming the Imamate......Page 46 Select Bibliography......Page 113 Arabic Index......Page 125 Arabic Text......Page 130 Contents 12 Preface and Acknowledgements 14 Introduction 18 The Author and his Works 21 The Contents of Kitāb ithbāt al-imāma 26 Themes in the Text 29 Degrees of Excellence 34 Description of Arabic Manuscripts 43 Notes on Translation 44 Translation of Kitāb ithbāt al-imāma: Book of Affirming the Imamate 46 Select Bibliography 113 English Index 125 Arabic Index 125 Arabic Text 130 1845111451,9781845111458,1441657428,9781441657428 [translated] By Arzina R. Lalani. Published In Association With The Institute Of Ismaili Studies. Includes Bibliographical References And Indexes. Arabic Text And English Translation