Mind-Benders of Islamic History
The philosopher of light, executed at 37
Al-Suhrawardi (c. 1154–1191) founded the "Illuminationist" (ishraqi) school of philosophy, built around metaphors of light. Accused of heterodox teachings, he was put to death in Aleppo in 1191 at about the age of 37 — during the years of the Third Crusade — a fate that earned him the lasting epithet "al-Maqtul," "the slain one."
How we know
Shihab al-Din al-Suhrawardi al-Maqtul: b. c.1154, executed Aleppo 1191 (587 AH), age ~37; founder of the Illuminationist/ishraqi school; execution ordered under the Ayyubids (al-Malik al-Zahir/Saladin). Third Crusade 1189–1192.
One of many fact-checked wonders across eight traditions at The Spring of Wisdom.