The Subtleties of the Ascension Lata'if al-Miraj: Early Mystical Sayings on Muhammad's Heavenly Journey

The story of Muhammad's Night Journey and Ascension, in which the Prophet travels from Mecca to Jerusalem to Heaven and back in the course of a single night, has enchanted Muslim audiences for centuries; but for the Sufi mystics, the tale took on a special significance, becoming a fulcrum for their teachings. This book includes a never before published translation of first-millenium Sufi writings on the Ascension, an extensive annotation and commentary, an edition of the original Arabic text, and an appendix containing invaluable material for the specialist. Finally, stunning illustrations of the Night Journey and Ascension, drawn from a masterpiece of Persian miniature painting, add a rich visual accompaniment. The work will appeal to both a general audience and specialists interested in mysticism, Sufism, otherworldly journeys, medieval folklore, and Islamic studies.

Frederick S. Colby is an assistant professor of Islamic studies and comparative religion at Miami University–Oxford. He lives in Oxford, Ohio.