Sufism: A Short Introduction

by William C. Chittick

Book Overview

What is mysticism? What does sufism mean today? William C. Chittick, the leading scholar in the field, offers a compelling insight into the origins, context, and key themes of this fascinating... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1851682112
• ISBN13: 9781851682119
• Release Date: February 2000
• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Important Book

This book may completely change the way you see things. It is about the Sufi(Islamic) conception of God, Creation, etc and is useful for both Muslims and Non-Muslims in understanding the philosophy and rich scholarship of Sufism. The author approaches it from a very orthodox and traditional view, unlike the "New Age Sufism" that is prevalent in some circles. Also, the author is a reputable scholar who has mastered the languages of classical Sufi writers. If you are interested in Islam or Sufism and approach things with an unbiased point of view, you owe it to yourself to read this book. I borrowed it from a public library and now I plan on buying it. This book is not about politics or "why I am right, and you are wrong". Buy this book only if you are interested in learning about Sufism/Islam directly from its sources.

Fighting over which mystic was greater is ridiculous. Move on to the main issue of understanding th

I can't believe on a web page that should reflect thoughtful dicussions about mysticism, religeon and life people are arguing baout whether Jesus or Muhammad was greater. This is ridiculous and a sign of insecurity or ignorance. They were both great men in different ways and have impacted our societies differently. Ibn Arabe is an excellent person to read about as he is familiar with both traditions and reflects a unique and renowned understanding of spirituality and mystical thought. The next thing you know someone else will be arguing that hey Buddha was even greater than "your two" prophets. Grow up.

A great introduction

Sufism, although specific to Islam, is in reality the unifying meaning beneath all of God's religions. Chittick's introduction is a great survey of the Sufi way of looking at reality especially since he takes the perspective of the great masters and mostly lets them tell us what Sufism is all about. Translations of Rumi and Ibn 'Arabi and some lesser know masters such as Sam'ani are included. I found reading these translations very enjoyable. I also found the bibliography very helpful since it lists some excellent sources for further study of Sufism. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested to learn about Sufism's reality, as it was known traditionally rather than the modern misconceptions of it.

To Reader From UK: I Prescribe Some Introspection

I was so bothered by the hateful diatribe of the previous review that I felt compelled to respond to his bigotry and small mindedness. Some of humanities greatest minds devoted their whole lives to studying Quran and hadith and emulating the behaviour of the Prophet. Averroes, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, and many other of the worlds greatest philosophers, mystics, and scientists found their guidance in Islam. Yet the reader from Britain, who probably practices no religion and read one or two introductory books on Islam and now considers himself an expert, has the arrogance to dismiss the religion as a waste of time because Muslims do not have the big screen TV's and gas guzzling SUV's that "us Christians, Secularists, and Athiests have in the West". I would invite the reader to examine the deplorable history of the secular West (especially as regards the 20th century, the bloodiest in history) and find anything that Muslims have done that faintly compares to the slavery of Africans in America, the colonization and oppression of Africa and Asia by the "enlightened" Brits, the genocide of Native peoples in the Americas, and the moral depravity that is currently destroying the very foundations of Western civilization. I much prefer being a "backward" Muslim and being content with the fact that I and my Muslim brothers and sisters will always be imperfect, than an athiest that finds comfort in only finding fault with the sacred beliefs of others.

Highly recommended

A fascinating, lucid and illuminating book full of memorable quotes and images. A profound journey into the heart of Islam and a rewarding read. Merits repeated study and reflection. Contains a concise, but penetrating and constructive comparison of Ibn Arabi and Rumi leading to a deeper understanding of both. The opening chapter on the three fundamental aspects of religion: action, mind and heart, corresponding to islam, iman and ihsan, is itself worth the purchase of the book and provides an essential key to understanding and appreciating the nature of Sufism. The final chapter on the paradox and symbolism of the veil is a revelation. A book to be savoured, both educational and inspirational.