Sameer Ali (Stanford University), “Ethics and Philosophy in the Nuzhat-nama-i ‘Ala’i of Shahmardan b. Abi al-Khayr al-Razi”

Abstract: This presentation seeks to examine the ethical precepts and practical philosophy in the Nuzhat-nama, which was written in the late 11th century in Iran under the patronage of the Kaykuyid prince Abu Kalijar Garshasp. The author, Shahmardan b. Abi al-Khayr al-Razi, borrows the title from Ibn Sina’s work, the Danish Nama Alayi and circulates the latter’s explanation of cosmology and philosophy. Al-Razi also includes a tract from Ibn Miskaywah on ethical behavior and domestics. In addition, this presentation seeks to investigate the descriptive aspects of the manuscript and articulate methodologies for studying and comparing manuscripts.

Sameer Ali is Ph.D. student in Religious Studies at Stanford University. He received his B.A. from Rutgers University. He spent six years as a seminarian in the Middle East. His research interests include manuscripts, codicology, bookmaking, Shiism in the context of Indo-Persian and South Asian societies and cultures during the early modern era.

Thursday, May 1, 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm, CISAC Conference Room, Encina Hall Central (616 Serra Street)

Contact: 736-8169, burcak@stanford.edu

Sponsored by the Abbasi Progam in Islamic Studies, Department of Religious Studies. Co-sponsored by the Department of Religious Studies and Stanford University Libraries.