Sufism: Veil and Quintessence

Schuon makes a critical distinction between an absolute Islam and a contingent Islam. Surveying the fundamental and thus indispensable elements of the Islamic revelation allows one to gain a perspective on its more relative aspects. The Arab style, with its pious exaggerations, ellipses, hyperbolism and love of sublimity, is seen here not only in its tendency to obscure pure sapeintial knowledge, but also in light of its profound spiritual intention. Also included is a chapter which situates philosophy with regard to the concerns of faith and theology, restoring to it its normal and legitimate meaning of love of divine and eternal Wisdom.