John Herlihy – författare

Written by an American Muslim convert who has lived nearly 40 years among the Muslims, the author presents an insiders account of Islams true place within the family of religions, what it means to be a Muslim living in the shadow of the modern world, and how to cultivate a life of spirituality through the way of Islam in todays anti-spiritual environment. Within its pages, history unfolds, mysteries are unveiled, and secrets are revealed that shed light on the great human story of spiritual awakening and fulfillment.This rigorous and highly readable introduction to Islam goes a long way to remedy the lack of historical perspective and the narrowing of intellectual and spiritual scope contributing to the outer and inner crisis of the Muslim world, as well as the poor understanding of this religion in the West. Another significant merit of Herlihys book is the way it sets out the universal principles of Islam, shared with other traditional faiths, and its emphasis on the moral and spiritual fruits of the religion. This work is an invaluable resource for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, providing as it does a solid grounding in the traditional spirit of Islam. Patrick Laude, professor at Georgetown University, Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, QatarReaders will find that this timely work by John Herlihy offers a sublime contribution to the field of Islamic Studies. Relevant for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, one of the books major themes is that the Islamic tradition converges with the unanimous tradition residing at the heart of each of the worlds religions. The book reminds us that the foundations of the modern and postmodern world were formulated in revolt from the sacred, which is an essential point to be recognized by anyone seeking to understand the crisis that consumes the contemporary epoch. This work provides ultimate answers to ultimate questions. Samuel Bendeck Sotillos, editor of Psychology and the Perennial Philosophy: Studies in Comparative ReligionAmidst widespread miscomprehensions of Islam generated by Western media, readers who wish to understand the true nature of this noble tradition and its related spirituality will find this volume a trustworthy and illuminating guide. As a Western convert, philosopher, and above all practitioner, John Herlihy is well placed to dispel the fog of misunderstanding which often surrounds the subject of Islam. This book will be warmly welcomed by all those wishing to understand the timeless message of Islam, by seekers looking for practical guidance, and by those concerned with fostering a more harmonious global community of religions. Harry Oldmeadow, author of Frithjof Schuon and the Perennial Philosophy.

René Guénon (1886-1951) was the founder of the Perennialist/Traditionalist school of comparative religious thought well-known for its espousal of the "transcendent unity of religions". In a time of unquestioning belief in the dogmas of progress and evolution, Guénon issued a devastating critique of the modern world. A pioneering philosopher, he, also, provided the intellectual keys for a reclamation of the West's spiritual riches through an exposition of the Eastern metaphysical doctrines. His writings range over a vast terrain - Vedanta, the Chinese tradition, Christianity, Sufism, the Kabbalah, world mythology, symbolism and alchemy.

Why do more than one billion people claim Islam as their religion? American convert John Ahmed Herlihy provides his personal answer and takes readers on a journey to the heart of Islam, the fastest growing religion in the world. Weaving details of Islam''''s central beliefs and practices-its Five Pillars-with intimate autobiographical details of his more than thirty years in the religion, Herlihy presents readers with an insightful glimpse into a religion that remains so often misunderstood.

Through a penetrating analysis of reason and intellect, spiritual imagination, and the light of faith, this book addresses fundamental questions pertaining to our search for meaning.

A prolific writer and author of over 24 books, Rene Guenon was the founder of the Perennialist/Traditionalist school of comparative religious thought. Known for his discourses on the intellectual and spiritual bankruptcy of the modern world, symbolism, tradition, and the inner or spiritual dimension of religion, this book is a compilation of his most important writings. A key component of his thought was the assertion that universal truths manifest themselves in various forms in the world''s religions and his writings on Hinduism, Taoism, and Sufism are particularly illuminating in this regard.

In today's secular environment the two worlds of science and spirituality are alien worlds distinguished primarily by a deep-seated antagonism in which the principles of spirituality and the pragmatism of modern science exist face to face in a perennial state of confrontation. This profoundly learned work searches the borderlands between these two worlds. Divided into three parts this work begins by analysing modern epistemological assumptions surrounding the faculty of reason and comparing it to traditional ideas concerning the intellect; the second and third parts deal masterfully with spiritual imagination and the light of faith. Through a penetrating analysis of reason and intellect spiritual imagination and the light of faith this book addresses fundamental questions pertaining to our search for meaning. Countering the prevalent assumptions which determine our secular environment these pages travel the borderlands between science and religion and open passageways to a higher understanding of spiritual life.