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 selection of writings make this an indispensable guide to this profound tradition.
Click on the circles below to see more reviews
Shaykh Haeri writes of Sufism as the heart of Islam. He regards the Sufi movement "as a parallel to the prophethood of Jesus, whose message was to destroy the Law of Moses, but to revive the spirit of the Law." Over centuries Sufis have been persecuted and misunderstood. They have tried to check un-Islamic ways and have led reform movements atainst oppression and colonialism. Sufis, he says, need to follow a Sufi master. A Sufi is a whole human being, primarily concerned with the "heart" that reflects the truth that exists within it beyojnd time and in time. The aim is to reach the pinnacle of "his" self by achieving physical silence. The Sufi path is one of self denial. I found this book an absorbing and heartfelt source of information. ~ , Sangha