A Soaring Minaret: Abu Bakr al-Wasiti and the Rise of Baghdadi Sufism

The development of early Islamic mysticism and metaphysics is presented through the life and work of theologian Abu Bakr al-Wasiti.

Sufi scholar Abu Bakr al-Wasiti (d. ca. 320 AH/932 CE) was called a “soaring minaret” for his cutting comments and keen theological insights. Wāsiṭī’s life is little known today, but elements of his lost Qur’ān commentary have come down to us through the glosses of his students, and his career offers a window into the development of Islamic mysticism and metaphysics. Wāsiṭī’s legacy includes a number of firsts: he was one of the first students of the great Baghdadi Sufis, the first to migrate east and establish the Baghdadi Sufi tradition in Khurasan, among the first to compose a Qur'ān commentary, and among the first to articulate a complete metaphysics in keeping with early Sunni theology. Presenting Wāsiṭī’s life and work within the context of the development and spread of Sufism, author Laury Silvers goes on to provide an analysis of his theological perspective on the divine reality.

“Considering the disparate nature of the sources, Silvers does an excellent job situating Wāsiṭī within the larger eastward movement of Baghdadi Sufism … Silvers is able to breathe life into Wāsiṭī’s thought.” — Review of Middle East Studies

“Silvers’ approach is refreshing and useful as she details the historical context as well as the intellectual history of early mystics … Silvers offers us a comprehensive and comprehensible presentation of the intellectual development of Islamic mysticism and metaphysics within the context of the historical development and spread of Sufism.” — NewBooksinIslamicStudies.com