Symbol of Divine Light: The Lamp in Islamic Culture and Other Traditions [Paperback]

Symbol of Divine Light presents an overview of the history and significance of the lamp in Islamic culture and other traditions. In addition to describing the numerous variants from different historical periods, it also includes an exploration of the famous Koranic Verse of Light and the symbolism of its constituent elements. Containing more than 200 stunning color and b/w illustrations, this is the definitive study of the history and meaning of the mosque lamp.Symbol of Divine Light surveys the history of the mosque lamp, describing the numerous variants made in different historical periods and containing more than 200 stunning color and b/w illustrations. The deep significance of light and the lamp in Islamic culture and other traditions???Jewish, Christian, Zoroastrian, Hindu, and Buddhist???is also explored, with reference made to the writings of authors belonging to the ???Traditionalist school,??? notably Frithjof Schuon, Ren?? Gu??non, Titus Burckhardt, and Martin Lings. The book presents a detailed exploration of the famous Koranic Verse of Light and the symbolism of its constituent elements: light, the niche, the lamp, glass, oil, and the tree. Parallels are also drawn with other traditions, indicating a universal symbolism. Symbol of Divine Light concludes that the most important function of the mosque lamp was as a symbolic reminder of the Verse of Light, as demonstrated by examples that were virtually non-functional as lighting devices and also the extensive use of the mosque lamp as a decorative motif in Islamic architecture. The book aims to give the reader an opportunity to contemplate the meaning of the mosque lamp as a symbol of Divine Light.Introduction viiI. Symbolism of Light and the Lamp1. The Verse of Light 3Koranic Exegesis 52. Symbolism 7Light 8Light in the Islamic Doctrines of Creation 10Muhammad as the Embodiment of Light 12Light and the Mystery of the Veils 14The Symbolism of Light in the Judeo-Christian Traditions 16The Symbolism of Lightlc2