Cyclical Time and Ismaili Gnosis

Cyclical Time and Ismaili Gnosis

How does the Ismaili tradition understand time, history, and spiritual reality through the lens of cyclical renewal and esoteric knowledge?

About the Book

Cyclical Time and Ismaili Gnosis, authored by Henry Corbin and published in 1983, is a profound exploration of Ismaili Shi‘i thought, focusing on the concepts of cyclical time and gnosis (esoteric knowledge). Corbin, a leading scholar of Islamic esotericism, examines how Ismaili philosophers and theologians developed a unique vision of sacred history in which time unfolds in cycles, each inaugurated by a prophet and interpreted by an imam. The book delves into the metaphysical dimensions of Ismaili cosmology, the role of the imam as the bearer of esoteric truth, and the spiritual journey of the soul through cycles of manifestation and return. It highlights the rich symbolic language and philosophical depth of Ismaili gnosis.

What You Will Discover

• The Ismaili conception of cyclical time and sacred history
• The relationship between prophetology, imamology, and esoteric interpretation (ta’wil)
• Key Ismaili thinkers and their contributions to Islamic gnosis
• The metaphysical and cosmological framework of Ismaili thought
• The spiritual path of initiation and the soul’s journey through cycles of time
• Symbolism and allegory in Ismaili philosophy and literature
• The enduring relevance of Ismaili gnosis for understanding Islamic esotericism

About the Author

Henry Corbin (1903–1978) was a French philosopher and historian of religions, widely regarded as one of the foremost scholars of Islamic mysticism and Shi‘i esotericism.

Who Is This Book For?

This book is ideal for students and researchers of Ismaili studies, Islamic philosophy, Sufism, and comparative mysticism, as well as readers interested in esoteric interpretations of time and spiritual knowledge in Islam.