The mystical doctrine of Abū-Ṭālib al-Makkī as found in his book Qūt al-qulūb

The purpose of this study is to examine the life and works of Abu-Talib al-Makkx, one of the greatest sufi writers of the fourth Islamic century, with special attention being paid to his mystical doctrine, as expounded in his chief work entitled "Qut al-Qulub fx mu'amalat al-mahbtib" .The thesis is divided into two parts. The first part, which constitutes the first chapter, deals with the biography of al-Makkx and examines the characteristic traits of his thoughts and personality.In the second part, which constitutes four chapters, the mystical doctrine of al-Makkx is studied under the broad based divisions of: The religious life (ch. Ii), the mystical doctrine (ch. Ill), the mystical life (ch. IV), the mystic path (ch. V).In analysing al-Makkx's mystical doctrine, detailed studies are made in relation to his concept of religious life as a preliminary basis for the higher mystical life, and his concept of mystical life with special reference to his concept of the heart, science of the heart, theory of knowledge, gnosis, and finally his concept of the mystical states and stations.This thesis shows the contribution made by al-Makkx, to the formulation of sufi theory and practice, during the most significant period of sufism, namely the period of formulation, systematisation, and documentation