Author: David Emmanuel Singh
Publisher: ISPCK
Year: 2003
Language: English
Pages: 485
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8172147287
Description
Indian Islam is unique. It is generally cast, both by the popular media and academia, in an image that is severely totalitarian. Mahdawiyya is one among several sects within Indian Islam, which takes continuing revelation seriously. It does so without discarding the traditional belief in the finality of the Qur’an revealed through the Prophet Muhammad.
It speaks, like Shi’ism and Sufism of an alternative model of the Saint and Sainthood. The Saints discourse (bayan) is believed by these to have the same level of authority as the Qur’an revealed through the Prophet.
Many Muslim nations prefer religious nationalism to secular democracy. The traditional Prophetic model largely inspires their brand of nationalism. The ideas of the Saint and Sainthood are also power-laden. These provide, however, a viable alternative to the traditional Prophetic model and harbour a promise for change. It is important, therefore, that scholars study the range of saintly expressions of Islam. This book makes a contribution to this area of study.
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
FOREWORD
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
TRANSLITERATION TABLE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
Khayal and the Basis for Bayan’s Authority within Philosophy is Islam
CHAPTER 2
Qualification for the Performance of Bayan in Mahdawiyya
CHAPTER 3
Mahdawi Basis for Bayan’s Authority in Relation to Qur’an
CHAPTER 4
Mahdawi Basis for Bayan’s Authority in Relation to Prophet and Prophecy
CHAPTER 5
Mahdawi Basis for Bayan’s Authority in Relation to God
Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Appendix 1
Daira-E Naw
Appendix 2
The Early Mahdawi Leaders and Writers Cited in this Thesis
Appendix 3
Notes on the Primary Mahdawi Sources Used