Philosophy Faculty Publications

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

4-2014

Publication Source

Iranian Studies

Abstract

Due to the fact that for Muslims the Qur ̓ān provides not only practical guidelines for a righteous life, but the framework of a theoretical worldview, Islamic philosophers have made direct and indirect scriptural allusions that go far beyond rhetorical ornamentation and theological persuasion. For the most part, they have resorted to the Qur ̓ān in order to reinforce their philosophical position. On the other hand, there is a long tradition of Qur ̓ānic exegesis ranging from technical linguistic analysis to rational and esoteric hermeneutics (ta ̓wῑl). With regard to the relationship between the Qur ̓ān and philosophy, the Persian philosopher of the Ṣafavid Period, Mullā Ṣadrā (1571-1636), is a special case as the only philosopher who has dedicated several treatises to Qur ̓ānic commentaries. Furthermore, as Rustom notes in the Introduction to the book under review, not only is Mullā Ṣadrā's exegetical approach philosophical, but also his philosophy has a Qur ānic base (p. 3-4). It is against this background that The Triumph of Mercy: Philosophy and Scripture in Mullā Ṣadrā links Qur ̓ānic exegesis to philosophy.

Inclusive pages

674-677

ISBN/ISSN

0021-0862

Document Version

Postprint

Comments

The document available for download is the author's accepted manuscript, provided with permission. Permission documentation is on file.

Some differences may exist between this version and the published version; as such, researchers wishing to quote directly from this source are advised to consult the version of record.

Citation information for the book reviewed:

  • Rustom, Mohammed. The Triumph of Mercy: Philosophy and Scripture in Mulla Sadra. Albany, NY: SUNY Press, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-4384-4341-6

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Volume

47

Issue

4

Link to published version

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