Sawirus B. Al-Muqaffa' and the Fatimid Gnostics

Daga Portillo, Rocio (2021): Sawirus B. Al-Muqaffa' and the Fatimid Gnostics. In: ARAM Periodical, Vol. 33, No. 1 & 2: pp. 191-212

Abstract

This article reframes the historical and theological context of the life and work of Sāwīrus b. al-Muqaffaʿ. Analysis of the vocabulary and arguments of Miṣbāḥ al-ʿUqūl and Ṭibb al-Gamm wa-Shifāʾ al-Ḥuzn show that Sāwīrus was writing in a Gnostic milieu. Even taking into account that Sāwīrus was working at a time when Gnosticism had been known in Egypt for centuries, his use of Arabic Gnostic vocabulary, his method of argument, and subtle references to Gnosticism in his work all strongly suggest that Ismāʿili Gnosticism was present in Sāwīrus’ milieu, and that it influenced his style and polemical arguments. While Fāṭimid or, better said, Ismāʿili Gnosticism was critically refuted, Sāwīrus maintained a reasonable relationship with the ruler. It can be said that Miṣbāḥ al-ʿUqūl was addressed to the Fāṭimid ruler - as well as the Christian community- as a Creed and a ‘law’ to be ratified by the state and acknowledged by the community.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: Sawīrus b. al-Muqaffaʿ; The Lamp of Understanding; Remedy of sorrows; Gnosticism
• Faculties: Cultural Studies > Department of Ancient and Modern Cultures > Institute for Near and Middle Eastern Studies; Cultural Studies > Department of Ancient and Modern Cultures > Institute for Near and Middle Eastern Studies > Arabic and Islamic Studies
• Subjects: 200 Religion > 270 History of Christianity; 200 Religion > 280 Christian denominations
• ISSN: 1783-1342
• Language: English