Introduction to Sufism: The Inner Path of Islam (Perennial Philosophy)

From Rumi's whirling dervishes in Turkey over 700 years ago, to circles of silent mystics in the West today, this book reveals the history and practices of Sufism, the ancient but still active system of Islamic mysticism which has long been the spiritual current in Islam that counterbalances fundamentalism. Eric Geoffroy is an authority on Sufism, and he shows us this increasingly popular contemplative dimension of Islam, which is little understood in the West.

Why is Sufism so compelling to both spiritual seekers and scholars? This, the first book in English from an authority on Sufism, Éric Geoffroy, introduces Sufism from many angles and from its origins up to the present day. Geoffroy sees Sufism as a unique lens through which we can view the spirituality that lies behind the forms of Islam. This book covers the history of Sufism from its earliest days up until our own times, touching on the many significant people, practices, ideas, and controversies that have shaped it. It also highlights Sufism's universal aspects, which are a powerful antidote to various fundamentalisms. Geoffroy's special treatment of the subject balances the voices of long ago (e.g. Ibn 'Arabi, Rumi, Hallaj, and Ghazzali) with many contemporary voices to cover a remarkable scope of topics essential to a full understanding of authentic Sufism.

This book features:

A comprehensive introduction to the movements and figures of historical Sufism

A broad survey of Sufism's origins, doctrines, practices, personalities, and terminology

2 maps of important places in medieval Sufism

A glossary and index of technical terms and an index of proper names

Select bibliographies for further reading

Why is Sufism so compelling to both spiritual seekers and scholars? This, the first book in English from an authority on Sufism, ric Geoffroy, introduces Sufism from many angles and from its origins up to the present day. Geoffroy sees Sufism as a unique lens through which we can view the spirituality that lies behind the forms of Islam. Having its source in the Koran and in the prophetic Tradition, Sufisms goal is to deliver practitioners from the negative human passions, and the illusions, that beset them. This book covers the history of Sufism from its earliest days up until our own times, touching on the many significant people, practices, ideas, and controversies that have shaped it. It also highlights Sufisms universal aspects, which are a powerful antidote to various fundamentalisms. Geoffroys special treatment of the subject balances the voices of long ago (e.g. Ibn Arab, Rm, Hallj, and Ghazzl) with many contemporary voices to cover a remarkable scope of topics essential to a full understanding of authentic Sufism. In this introductory, yet comprehensive book, Éric Geoffroy explains that Sufism is the inner dimension of Islam and has its source in the Koran and in the life and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Geoffroy discusses how Sufism was formed and how great masters have adapted its initiatic doctrines and practices to changing conditions within the Muslim world. Surveying the history of Sufism, this book covers its earliest days up until our own times and addresses Sufism's uneasy relationship with various forms of fundamentalism. Replete with many sayings from various Sufis throughout the ages, including Ibn Arabi, Rumi, Hallaj, and Ghazali, this book uniquely presents Sufism “as it is lived” by highlighting the importance of the spiritual master, the method, rites and conduct in daily life, as well as the role of the feminine in Sufism. This is Dr. Geoffroy's first book to be translated into English in its entirety. CONTENTS......Page 6 Translator’s Foreword......Page 12 Transliteration System for Arabic Characters......Page 16 Preface......Page 18 CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals......Page 20 CHAPTER 2: Sufism and Islam......Page 52 CHAPTER 3: Sufism in Islamic Culture: Historical Perspective......Page 84 CHAPTER 4: Sufism As It Is Lived......Page 161 CHAPTER 5: Sufism and Interreligious Openness......Page 201 Conclusion: Sufism Yesterday, Sufism Today......Page 213 Maps......Page 223 Glossary and Index of Technical Terms......Page 226 Index of Proper Names......Page 232 Biographical Notes......Page 238 CONTENTS 6 Translator’s Foreword 12 Transliteration System for Arabic Characters 16 Preface 18 CHAPTER 1: Fundamentals 20 CHAPTER 2: Sufism and Islam 52 CHAPTER 3: Sufism in Islamic Culture: Historical Perspective 84 CHAPTER 4: Sufism As It Is Lived 161 CHAPTER 5: Sufism and Interreligious Openness 201 Conclusion: Sufism Yesterday, Sufism Today 213 Maps 223 Glossary and Index of Technical Terms 226 Index of Proper Names 232 Biographical Notes 238 1935493108,9781935493105 World Wisdom,2010