"Praised by the New York Times as "a highly important exhibition book," this lavishly produced catalog reproduces illustrated texts from the groundbreaking exhibition at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Called "fabulous" by the Washington Post, Falnama was the first show of its kind dedicated to the art of divination in the Islamic world. The Falnama were brilliantly painted compositions created in Safavid Iran and Ottoman Turkey in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Falnama: The Book of Omens combines rare images with scholarly texts on the deeper meaning of dreams, omens, and divination. Featured in this first publication ever devoted to the Falnama as a genre are intact volumes as well as text folios and illustrations now dispersed among international public and private collections. Essays by scholars of Safavid, Ottoman, and Byzantine history and language, complemented by full-color illustrations, offer detailed analysis of the form, content, and meaning of these rarely seen works of art. The first-ever translations of three of the four monumental copies provide insight into a vivid and enduring aspect of human concern--the unknown."--Publisher's website.

The sayings and wisdom of Imam `Ali transcend superficial differences, to reveal everlasting truths that can only serve to guide and illuminate the seeker and traveler on his or her journey through life, as clearly, constantly, and unerringly as the Pole Star.

The life and legacy of one of Mohammad’s closest confidants and Islam’s patron saint: Ali ibn Abi Talib Ali ibn Abi Talib is arguably the single most important spiritual and intellectual authority in Islam after prophet Mohammad. Through his teachings and leadership as fourth caliph, Ali nourished Islam. But Muslims are divided on whether he was supposed to be Mohammad’s political successor—and he continues to be a polarizing figure in Islamic history. Hassan Abbas provides a nuanced, compelling portrait of this towering yet divisive figure and the origins of sectarian division within Islam. Abbas reveals how, after Mohammad, Ali assumed the spiritual mantle of Islam to spearhead the movement that the prophet had led. While Ali’s teachings about wisdom, justice, and selflessness continue to be cherished by both Shia and Sunni Muslims, his pluralist ideas have been buried under sectarian agendas and power politics. Today, Abbas argues, Ali’s legacy and message stands against that of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Taliban.

'Ali ibn Abi Talib is unparalleled in Islam. He was the Prophet Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, the first Shi'i Imam and the fourth of the Rashidun Caliphs. Sunni and Shi'i Muslims alike hold 'Ali in the highest regard owing to his status as a spiritual teacher and his strength as a warrior. According to the mystical tradition of Islam, 'Ali is the embodiment of 'the perfect human being' (al-insan al-kamil). Reza Shah-Kazemi here draws on the insights of the Sufi masters Ibn 'Arabi and Rumi to look beyond the biographical details of 'Ali's life to reflect on the spiritual significance of his actions and teachings. In the spirit of ta'wil or esoteric interpretation, the author identifies how 'Ali's inner spiritual principles can be regarded as transcending the boundaries of time, space, religion and culture. For Shah-Kazemi, it is this mystical interpretation of 'Ali that invites a new, much deeper understanding of his personality and contemporary relevance, outside the confines of history. The book offers vivid examples of 'Ali's conduct and persona--on the battlefield, from the pulpit of the mosque, and in his private teachings to the mystics--exploring the ways in which his actions embodied his principles. An accessible and concise guide, this book is relevant to all those with an interest in the life of 'Ali, Islamic spirituality, religious practice, and the philosophy of religion.

a look into the lives of the sons and descendants of Imam Ali, peace be on them, the divinely appointed leaders of the Muslim nation succeeding Prophet Muhammad and Imam Ali, peace be on them.

كتاب في التاريخ والتراجم، تكلم فيه المصنف عن سبطي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم الحسن والحسين، حيث ترجم لهما ترجمة موسعة وأرخ للأحداث التي حصلت معهما

The present book is an English translation of Sautu'l Adalati'l Insaniyah, the biography of the Imam Ali, written in Arabic by George Jordac, a renowned Christian author of Lebanon. It has gained much popularity in the Arab and the Muslim world. Many Muslim and non-Muslim scholars have paid it glowing tributes.

This historical narrative of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, tells the tale of his timeless character that transcends history, religions, and nations. From before his birth to the final moments of his life, Ali's story renews within us the hope we all need. The lessons of his life's journey illuminate a deeper understanding of what it means to endure the darkest times, to persevere, and to rise to a purpose greater than ourselves. Embodying the definition of patience itself, Ali is the compass, the lighthouse, to guide us in navigating the world around us, and the universe within. The gateway to God's beloved Muhammad, Ali is the answer to the wandering heart and the seeker of all that is true. Ali, is 'the elixir of love'.

The book presents compelling evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah to argue that Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib deserved to be the first caliph of Islam. It meticulously examines verses from the Qur'an, such as the Verse of Purification (33:33) and the Verse of Mubahala (3:61), which highlight the elevated status of the Prophet's household, including Imam Ali. Additionally, it analyzes key hadiths, including the Hadith of Ghadir Khumm, where the Prophet Muhammad declared, "Whomsoever I am his Mawla, Ali is also his Mawla," and the Hadith of the Two Weighty Things, which emphasizes following the Qur'an and the Prophet's progeny. The book also discusses the Hadith of Position, likening Ali's relationship to Muhammad as Aaron's was to Moses, underscoring his rightful leadership. Through these religious texts, the book argues that Imam Ali's close relationship with the Prophet, his unparalleled knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to justice make a strong case for his precedence as the first caliph.