Sawirus Ibn Al.Muqafa': The Cure of Sorrows

Daga Portillo, Rocio (2024): Sawirus Ibn Al.Muqafa': The Cure of Sorrows. In: Parole de l´Orient, Vol. 50: pp. 17-44

Abstract

The work Ṭibb follows the path of the Greek philosophical genre of consolation. This genre was introduced in Arabic by al-Kindī, how-ever, Sāwīrus may know it as well from the Greek tradition and the Church Fathers. Sāwīrus critizes Mani’s idea that sadness had been created by Satan or a lesser god. According to Sāwīrus, sorrows and sadness have their origin in sin and worldly desires. Only through a reason centered in revelation, that demands worldy renunciation, sadness and sorrows can be overcome. Thus, he brings closer the philosophical thought to the ascetic and mystic under-standing of sorrows. The philosophical way of life proposed by philosophers was reframed and conceived as an ascetic way of life anchored in revelation.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: Sawirus b. al-Muqaffa; Cure of sorrows; Gnosticism; Monasticism
• 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: 2662-8309
• Language: English