Introduction to Sufism

Unveiling the hidden spirituality at the heart of Islam

y is Sufism so contelling to both spiritual seekers and scholars? This, the first book in English from an authority on Sufism, Eric 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 fundamentalism. Geoffory's special treatment of the subject balances the voice 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

"Both seekers and scholars will find that this book, besides being wide-ranging and well researched, has a rare attribute: by articulating so well the disputes between the scholars of the letter of the divine Law and Sufis, and then between different currents within Sufism itself, Dr. Geoffroy has given us a book that lends itself like few others to discussion and debate. We can easily imagine lively conversations, whether in college classrooms or in readers' living rooms, framed by the contents of this volume."—Roger Gaetani, co-editor of Sufism: Love and Wisdom, from the Translator's Foreword