Yahya Ibn Habash Suhrawardi

Biography of Philosopher Yahya Ibn Habash Suhrawardi

Full Name: Shihab al-Din Yahya ibn Habash ibn Amirak al-Suhrawardi

Birthplace: Suhraward, Seljuk Empire (present-day Iran)

Birth Date: 1154 CE

Death Date: 1191 CE

Death Place: Aleppo, Zengid Sultanate (present-day Syria)

Early Life :

Yahya ibn Habash al-Suhrawardi, often referred to as Suhrawardi or Sheikh al-Ishraq (the Master of Illumination), was born in 1154 CE in the town of Suhraward, which was part of the Seljuk Empire (present-day Iran). He came from a family of Persian origin and was raised in a region known for its intellectual and philosophical traditions.

Suhrawardi received his early education in various Islamic sciences, including theology, jurisprudence, and grammar. However, his intellectual curiosity led him to explore the works of various philosophers, mystics, and scholars, both Islamic and Greek, laying the foundation for his later philosophical pursuits.

Personal Life:

Suhrawardi's life was marked by his dedication to philosophy, mysticism, and the search for higher knowledge. He was deeply influenced by the works of Plato, Aristotle, and other Greek philosophers, as well as by Islamic mysticism (Sufism). He developed a unique philosophical system that combined elements of mysticism and metaphysics.

Written Books: Suhrawardi's writings encompass a range of topics, including philosophy, mysticism, and ethics. Some of his notable works include:

Kitab al-Talwihat (The Book of Dawn and Dusk): This work presents Suhrawardi's philosophical system, which he referred to as "Ishraq" or Illuminationism. It explores metaphysical concepts, the nature of knowledge, and the path to spiritual enlightenment.

Hikmat al-Ishraq (The Philosophy of Illumination): In this major work, Suhrawardi elaborates on his philosophical ideas, emphasizing the importance of intuitive knowledge and illumination in understanding the divine.

Awarif al-Ma'arif (The Gnosis of Illumination): This text explores mystical and ethical themes, guiding readers on the path to spiritual realization.

Hayakil al-Nur (The Temples of Light): A metaphysical and mystical treatise that delves into the nature of light and its significance in Suhrawardi's philosophical and mystical system.

Legacy: Suhrawardi's legacy is significant and enduring:

Illuminationism: He is regarded as the founder of the Illuminationist or Ishraqi school of philosophy, which had a profound influence on subsequent Islamic philosophy and mysticism.

Mystical Philosophy: Suhrawardi's integration of mysticism and philosophy in his works has left a lasting impact on Islamic mysticism (Sufism) and the study of mystical philosophy.

Continued Study: His works remain the subject of scholarly study and interpretation, with his philosophical ideas and spiritual insights continuing to inspire contemporary scholars, philosophers, and mystics.

Death: Suhrawardi met a tragic end when he was executed in Aleppo, Syria, in 1191 CE during the rule of the Zengid Sultanate. His philosophical and mystical teachings, however, lived on and left an indelible mark on the history of Islamic thought, influencing subsequent generations of philosophers and mystics in both the Islamic world and beyond.