Practical Mysticism in Islam and Christianity

Saeed Zarrabi-Zadeh is assistant professor of Islamic Studies at the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Erfurt, Germany. His research interests cover Islamic and comparative mysticism, Sufism in the modern Western context, mystical ethics, and Persian literature

"A comparative study of Rumi and Eckhart requires overcoming a number of difficulties, ranging from linguistic issues… to different intellectual systems. The author’s mastery of these challenges is impressive…. I recommend this book to all readers with an interest in a meticulous comparative approach to questions of mysticism." Dietmar Mieth, Vice President of Meister-Eckhart-Gesellschaft"The comparison of Eckhart’s and Rumi’s mystical systems… is a unique and refreshing endeavor… Zarrabi-Zadeh has been able to produce a work that conveys the critical nuances of different practices of mysticism … [and] has helped the conversation move a welcome step forward."Zahra Moeini Meybodi, University of Chicago, Journal of the Muhyiddin Ibn 'Arabi Society "It is the first high-level comparison between Rumi and Meister Eckhart…. Zarrabi-Zadeh’s contribution is a landmark for the interdisciplinary and interreligious dialogue on mysticism."Wolfgang Achtner, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Reading Religion: A Publication of the American Academy of Religion"This book is an enormous intellectual achievement, written in a most readable way. It is lucid, well-structured and gives the reader, both the specialist and, I guess, the general reader wonderful insights into two likewise creative minds and bodies of different religious cultures."Markus Vinzent, King’s College London, Medieval Mystical Theology

• 1 Introduction Part One Eckhart’s Practical Mysticism 2 Prelude 3 Exitus as the Framework of reditus 4 Stages and Practices of Mystical Perfection 5 Eckhart’s Mysticism of Intellect-based Detachment Part Two Rumi’s Practical Mysticism: A Comparative Reading 6 Prelude 7 Creation as the Framework of Return 8 Stages and Practices of Mystical Perfection 9 Rumi’s Mysticism of Love-based Annihilation 10 Conclusion Appendix One: A Chronology of Rumi Appendix Two: A Chronology of Eckhart