The Paradox of Proximity to the Infinite
"An Exploration of sidrat al-muntaha, "the Lote Tree beyond Which None May Pass
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12445346 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Hannah Bigelow Merriman (1Kalliopeia Foundation, San Rafael, California, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2008 |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue | 1-3 |
| Pages | 329-342 |
| Publication date | 2008-01-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Religion and the Arts (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1079-9265 • E-ISSN: 1568-5292 |
| Publisher | Brill (PUBLISHER • NL) |
| DOI | 10.1163/156852908x271114 |
| OpenAlex | W2045795640 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
This paper explores the imagery and function of sidrat al-muntaha, the "lote tree of the boundary" encountered by the Prophet Mohammed at the peak of his mystical ascent or mi'raj. Based on descriptions in Qur'an, hadith, and Sufi commentary, the lote tree's symbolic meaning is interpreted as a state of intimacy with God. Epitomizing the themes of boundary-crossing, nearness, and luminous theophany, Mohammed's experience at the lote tree of the boundary recapitulates the Sufi process of fana' fillah—annihilation in God
Algorithm · Boundary (topology · Combinatorics · Epistemology · Mathematical analysis · Meaning (existential · Mysticism · State (computer science · Theology · Tree (set theory · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Computer Science · Education and Islamic Studies · Islamic Studies and History · Mathematics · Philosophy
| Citations per year | 0.4 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2021 - 2025 (5) |
| Highly cited | No |