The soaring voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the ecstatic dance of the Whirling Dervishes, the rapturous verse of Jalaluddin Rumi -- all are expressions of Sufism, yearning for union with the Divine Beloved. Often called the mystical tradition of Islam, Sufism was and remains highly controversial and widely misunderstood, both outside and within Islam. This comprehensive introduction clarifies the concept of Sufism and discusses its origin and development. It includes discussions of: The sacred sources of Sufism in the Qur an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad...An overview of Sufi meditation practices, rituals, and institutions....The spread of the Sufi orders, such as the Mevlevis of Turkey, the Chishtis of India, and the Naqshbandis of Central Asia...Sufi poetry and music, and their presentation in contemporary culture the dilemmas of Sufism in the modern world. Includes a bibliography, discography, index, and illustrations of paintings, calligraphy, and tombs.
