Mysticism Melds Muslims & Mary

The ecumenical effect of mysticism is evidenced in the following press release from The Islamic Republic News Agency:

'Jesus and Mary in Islamic Mysticism' published in Croatia

Tehran, April 18, IRNA -- The book 'Jesus and Mary in Islamic Mysticism' written by the late noted German scholar Annemarie Schimmel was published in Croatian language in Croatia.

According to a report by the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, the book was translated and published by Iran's Cultural Office in Zagreb in cooperation with the organization's Center for Cultural and International Studies. The 192-page book deals with bonds between Islam and Christianity and was published in 1,000 copies.

Annemarie Schimmel (1922–2003) was a well-known and very influential German Islamologist who wrote extensively on Islam and Sufism. She mainly focused on the personalities of Jesus Christ and Mary in Islam with references from the holy Qur'an and Persian literature.

Annemarie Schimmel had said on this book: "I wrote this work to show my compatriots the strength of the links between Islam and Christianity. I hope that Muslims' respect for Jesus, son of Mary, and their love for Mary could be a link between these two religions.

Editor's note:The New York Open Center presents this workshop: Mary and Jesus in Islam and Sufism. From the website:

Many Christians do not realize that in Islamic mysticism the figures of Mary and Jesus are venerated as archetypes of purity and sainthood. In these two half-day workshops, which will include meditation, the contemplation of particular themes...

...we will look at how this link between the two faiths offers common ground for fruitful ecumenical dialogue, and explore the meaning and relevance of saintliness in the present day. These two programs will show us how exploring each others’ mystical traditions can help us see our own faith with new eyes.

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