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Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism

Alexander Knysh

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Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism

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Compare to estimated retail price: S$90.00  

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

Regular price
Unit price
per
Compare to estimated retail price: S$90.00  
Condition guide
ISBN: 9780691139098
Author: Alexander Knysh
Date of Publication: 2017-10-31
Format: Hardcover
Related Collections: Religion, History
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.

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