Mystical Islam: An Introduction to Sufism

DescriptionSufism is Islam’s principal mystical tradition. To its followers it provides the inner, esoteric or purely spiritual dimension of the faith. It is a centuries-old path to spirituality with devotees throughout the Islamic world, fundamentally influencing Muslim belief. To non-Muslim observers it remains exotic, mysterious and little-understood. Mystical Islam is an accessible introduction that encompasses the history of the Sufi spiritual tradition, ranging from the great Mughal and Safavid empires of India and Persia to the Whirling Dervishes of Ottoman Turkey. Julian Baldick reveals the continuing relevance of the Sufi spiritual experience and introduces some of the great figures of Sufism: al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Hafiz of Shiraz and Rumi. It is the writings of such masters that reveal the inner beauty of Sufism, while offering followers the most profound insights in their quest for delivery from the narrow confines of the material world. At the same time, the author’s reflections on recent Sufi scholarship, and his fresh perspectives on this tradition of belief and devotion, will prove essential for students and highly stimulating for general readers.Table of ContentsContentsAcknowledgementsIntroductionSufism’s beginningsFrom construction to systematization (c. 922 – c. 1240)Elders and empires (c. 1240- c. 1700)Into the modern worldConclusionsNotesBibliographyIndex I: Brotherhoods, sub-brotherhoods, branches and offshootsIndex II: Names of persons mentionedIndex III: Technical termsFrom the Back CoverSufism is Islam’s main mystical tradition. There are Sufi orders in almost all Muslim countries of the world, but not all Sufis accept the same beliefs and practices. In this book Julian Baldick examines the historical development of Sufi doctrine and practices over the fourteen centuries of Islam.Review“An excellent book.” — Robert Irwin ― Times Literary SupplementAuthor BiographyJulian Baldick was Reader in the Study of Religions at King’s College, London. He is the author of Mystical Islam: An Introduction to Sufism, among other titles.