The Death of Al-Hallaj - by Herbert Mason (Paperback)

About the Book

Although not widely known in the Western world, al-Hallaj is one of the great figures in the history of the Muslim religion. Martyred in 922 by the government for his teachings, Hallaj has lived on through the centuries in the legends and memories of Muslims the world over. In this dramatic narrative of the last days of al-Hallaj, Herbert Mason has distilled the essence of Hallaj in moving, beautifully drawn scenes.

Book Synopsis

Although not widely known in the Western world, al-Hallaj is one of the great figures in the history of the Muslim religion. Martyred in 922 by the government for his teachings, al-Hallaj has lived on through the centuries in the legends and memories of Muslims the world over. The reader who meets al-Hallaj for the first time in this book will be impressed by the striking similarities he shares with Jesus Christ, Socrates, and the Jewish Hasidic masters. Al-Hallaj is a man so caught up in God's love that he speaks with the wisdom of a mystic. Yet he is worldly and down-to-earth in his affection, his wit, and his joy. In this dramatic narrative of the last days of al-Hallaj, Herbert Mason has distilled the essence of al-Hallaj in moving, beautifully drawn scenes with his son, his protectress, and a devoted disciple. The timeless confrontation between freedom and political expediency, between faith and fatalism, ends here in love that is stronger than death. So finely has Mason presented al-Hallaj that the fire of his love reaches across the centuries to glow again on these pages. This is a book to read, and to re-read.

Review Quotes

"A simple, evocative introduction to the teachings of one of Islam's most enduring, and controversial, figures." --Parabola

"All who read it will be uplifted by the story. . . . Mason has provided both a stirring tale and an insight into Islamic culture and tradition." --South Bend Tribune

"Highly recommended. Mason's preface is a fine introduction to the renowned Muslim mystic and the dramatic narrative that follows." --Choice

"Mason's poetic style lends itself well to the telling of such a powerful tale." --Library Journal

"The narrative reads easily, especially where Professor Mason builds the action into heightened excitement and suspense. The modern English language poetic library is made even richer through the addition of this volume." --The Muslim World

About the Author

Herbert Mason is professor emeritus of religion and William Goodwin Aurelio Professor of History and Religious Thought at Boston University. He is the author of Memoir of a Friend: Louis Massignon, also published by the University of Notre Dame Press.