Islamic Mysticism: A Short History - Paperback

by Alexander Knysh (Author)

The book provides a general survey of the history of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) since its inception up to the modern time. It combines chronological and personality-based approaches to the subject with a thematic discussion of principal Sufi notions and institutions. Sufism is examined from a variety of different perspectives: as a vibrant social institution, a specific form of artistic expression (mainly poetic), an ascetic and contemplative practice, and a distinctive intellectual tradition that derived its vitality from a dialogue with other strands of Islamic thought. The book emphasizes the wide variety of Sufism's interactions with the society and its institutions from an ascetic withdrawal from the world to an active involvement in its affairs by individual Sufi masters and organizations.

Islamic Mysticism by Knysh is a comprehensive survey of the interesting and fascinating world of Islamic Mysticism.

Author Biography

Alexander D. Knysh, Ph.D. (1986) in Islamic Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, Soviet Academy of Sciences, is currently Professor and Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Studies at the University of Michigan. His publications on Islamic Mysticism include Ibn Arabi in the Later Islamic Tradition (SUNY Press, New York, 1998).