Hi everyone:statisfie!
I'm very grateful to be accepted on the board. Though I am a Catholic in belief, I thought this would be a good place to ask about some good reading material within Islam. I love studying religion, theology, philosophy, etc. of many world religions, but have a special interest in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).
I would love to know which authors within the Islamic tradition are especially good to read, essential even. I have a copy of the Qur'an, the Divine Flashes of Fakhruddin 'Iraqi, Avicenna on Theology, a pocket book of Rumi, and The Way of the Sufi compiled by Idries Shah. I am very interested in the writings of Al-Ghazali, but I do not know many authors to investigate. I am very interested in orthodox Islamic theology and writings, commentaries on the Qur'an, and the like, but I don't many author names other than many of the Sufi mystics (but I want to move beyond the Sufi writings).
I apologize for my obvious ignorance on the matter, but would greatly appreciate some recommendations for Islamic spiritual reading, theology, and the like - preferably older than modern if that's alright.
Thank you for your hospitality in advance
PS: I don't know if some Christians come here to bait or mock, but I assure you I am not one of them. I have a sincere interest and desire for knowledge, and aim only to speak with the utmost respect to all of you.
I'm very grateful to be accepted on the board. Though I am a Catholic in belief, I thought this would be a good place to ask about some good reading material within Islam. I love studying religion, theology, philosophy, etc. of many world religions, but have a special interest in the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).
I would love to know which authors within the Islamic tradition are especially good to read, essential even. I have a copy of the Qur'an, the Divine Flashes of Fakhruddin 'Iraqi, Avicenna on Theology, a pocket book of Rumi, and The Way of the Sufi compiled by Idries Shah. I am very interested in the writings of Al-Ghazali, but I do not know many authors to investigate. I am very interested in orthodox Islamic theology and writings, commentaries on the Qur'an, and the like, but I don't many author names other than many of the Sufi mystics (but I want to move beyond the Sufi writings).
I apologize for my obvious ignorance on the matter, but would greatly appreciate some recommendations for Islamic spiritual reading, theology, and the like - preferably older than modern if that's alright.
Thank you for your hospitality in advance

PS: I don't know if some Christians come here to bait or mock, but I assure you I am not one of them. I have a sincere interest and desire for knowledge, and aim only to speak with the utmost respect to all of you.