Thoughtful Guide to Sufism

Contents: Acknowledgements. Introduction. 1. Definitions of Sufism. 2. The early development of Sufism. 3. Sufi orders. 4. Basic Sufi concepts. 5. The way of the Sufi. 6. Pseudo-Sufism. 7. Sufi practices. 8. Sufi states. 9. Sufism and Orthodox Islam. 10. The role of the Sufi. 11. Sufism and society. 12. Sufism in modern times. 13. Sufi biographies. Index.

"The Thoughtful Guide series is for serious spiritual seekers, looking to deepen their knowledge of a particular religion. They are very accessible overviews of the history and the benefits that a particular religious practice can bring to the reader, well-researched and well balanced. The authors eschew fundamentalism and excessive simplifications, mapping out paths that can be followed with the mind as well as the heart.

Sufism is the heart of Islam. Its key is an inner light and awakening, an outer courtesy and service to humanity. It relates to Islam much as the mystical tradition does to Christianity, but far more prominently. With authors like Rumi achieving all-time popularity, Sufism is increasingly acknowledged as a spiritual answer to modern materialism. This introductory guide describes its origins and background, the relationship with Islam, and its spread throughout the world. It covers what it means to be a Sufi and the relevance of Sufism in modern life. Biographies of prominent Sufis and a selection of writing make this an indispensable guide to this profound tradition." (jacket)