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Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism

by Alexander Knysh
Compare to estimated retail price: S$90.00  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism
Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism

For seekers of Islam’s inner, contested history

This feels ideal if you want more than a simple introduction and are curious about how Sufism evolved, adapted, and keeps mattering today. Readers would likely appreciate how it balances spiritual ideas with politics, institutions, and real historical conflict, especially the tension with Salafi critics. It sounds like the kind of book that makes a huge, often-misunderstood tradition feel vivid, complex, and fully alive.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.

Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism

by Alexander Knysh
Compare to estimated retail price: S$90.00  

The item you've got your eye on is secondhand. You probably already know that, but just in case!

The estimated retail price shown next to any listed item represents the first-hand prices we've seen elsewhere, or the estimated original retail price of a comparable item of the same quality, construction and material offered elsewhere in new condition.

Condition guide

Book Condition Guide

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This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!

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*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

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*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

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*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.

 

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ISBN: 9780691139098
Authors: Alexander Knysh
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Date of Publication: 2017-10-31
Format: Hardcover
Related Collections: Religion, History
Related Topics: History, World History, Theology, Anthropology, Spirituality, Asia
Goodreads rating: 3.79
(rated by 33 readers)

Description

A pathbreaking history of Sufism, from the earliest centuries of Islam to the present. After centuries as the most important ascetic-mystical strand of Islam, Sufism saw a sharp decline in the twentieth century, only to experience a stunning revival in recent decades. In this comprehensive new history of Sufism from the earliest centuries of Islam to today, Alexander Knysh, a leading expert on the subject, reveals the tradition in all its richness. Knysh explores how Sufism has been viewed by both insiders and outsiders since its inception. He examines the key aspects of Sufism, from definitions and discourses to leadership, institutions, and practices. He devotes special attention to Sufi approaches to the Qur’an, drawing parallels with similar uses of scripture in Judaism and Christianity. He traces how Sufism grew from a set of simple moral-ethical precepts into a sophisticated tradition with professional Sufi masters (shaykhs) who became powerful players in Muslim public life but whose authority was challenged by those advocating the equality of all Muslims before God. Knysh also examines the roots of the ongoing conflict between the Sufis and their fundamentalist critics, the Salafis—a major fact of Muslim life today. Based on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, Sufism is an indispensable account of a vital aspect of Islam.
 

For seekers of Islam’s inner, contested history

This feels ideal if you want more than a simple introduction and are curious about how Sufism evolved, adapted, and keeps mattering today. Readers would likely appreciate how it balances spiritual ideas with politics, institutions, and real historical conflict, especially the tension with Salafi critics. It sounds like the kind of book that makes a huge, often-misunderstood tradition feel vivid, complex, and fully alive.

Note: While we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.