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The Book Is A Descriptive Analysis Of Islamic Mysticism In India In Three Phases. First Phase Of This Book Throws Light On The Advent Of Islamic Mysticism In India, Interaction Between Hindu And Sufi Mystic Tradition, And Development Of Classical Mysticism In India By The Sufis. Second Phase Of This Book Gives An Analysis Of Syncreticism And Orthodoxy Of Islamic Mystic Tradition Under The Mughal Dynasty: Secular And Logical Mystic Order Of Akbar, Dara Shikoh, And Shah Wali Allah. Third Phase Describes An Interpretation Of Islamic Mysticism By Sir Sayyid Ahmad And Mohammad Iqbal In Western Perspective.

This anthology is a collective endeavor of scholars from India and Pakistan devoted to Sufi mystics, literature and shrines with a detailed introduction. The essays explore the methods adopted by the Punjab Sufis to popularize the mystic ideology and praxis in the medieval socio-cultural milieu. These writings also delve into the different genres of Sufi literature, both in the elite and vernacular languages, intending to appreciate the nuances of Punjab Sufism. Apart from the architectural features of the Sufi shrines, the anthology attempts to illumine the organic linkages between these institutions and the Punjabis and, thus, underscore the Sufi non-communitarian devotion as a primary ingredient of the Punjabi cultural fusion. This title is co-published with Aakar Books. Print editions not for sale in South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Bhutan)

Sufism is often described as ‘the mystical branch of Islam’. Giving some more attention to this underexposed spiritual side, it is often proposed, could help us to ease certain contemporary societal tensions. One finger then points toward the rigorous religious aggression of fundamentalism as ‘the problem’, while another points toward the soft beauty of mysticism as ‘the solution’. Yet, no matter how well-intended the contemporary focus on Sufism might often be, in the end, it repeatedly portrays a lack of comprehension when it comes to Islamic mysticism. The typical descriptions are full of mistakes, and the conclusions they lead to need much nuance. Those misunderstandings do not simply stem from innocent ignorance. They are misunderstandings with more profound origins and implications. They’re closely tied to enormous blind spots in the contemporary view of religion and deeply entwined with pressing political issues. In fact, the way we deal with mysticism in general and with Sufism in particular actually kindles many contemporary conflicts. This book thus seeks to add the necessary nuances, correct the misunderstandings and unveil the contemporary ‘politics of mysticism’. It seeks to clarify how the growing interest in what is called ‘Sufism’ is connected to both the contemporary demonization of Islam and the modern destruction of profound spirituality in the East as well as the West.

Exploding the fanaticism of religions, the Sufis came with their message of love, accommodation and truth. Originating as a reaction against Islamic bigotry and persecution by the Arab Muslims, particularly the Abbasi Caliphs, they gradually spread all over the world. Unfortunately, some writers have been loath to recognise Sufism's broad mindedness and are inclined to squeeze into the narrow crevices of fanaticism and in the process to negate its effinity to asceticism, neo-platonism, Vedanta and Vaishnavism. It is often forgotten that Sufism is neither a religion, nor a specific belief, nor a school of thought. It is more a way of life, and a teaching which is essentially spiritual and aimed at discovering the real nature of the Soul. All persons, what-ever religion or belief they belong to, are candidates for the Sufi teaching, provided they have complete faith in the teacher and have been able to conquer their egos. This study of Sufism endeavours to place it in its proper perspective as a universal doctrine open to all who are spiritually ripe to receive it.

This is a book on the spiritual in everyday life. The very variety of its contents is an illustration of the significance of Sufism and spirituality in general for human life. The first two parts, Sufi Mysticism and The Path of Initiation and Discipleship expand further on themes presented in earlier volumes, particularly in volumes 1 The Way of Illumination. The reader is called to reconsider his life and how he is leading it rather than what life is his. Where is your ideal? In Sufi Poetry Hazrat Inayat Khan discusses the life, work and influence of some of the great Sufi poets of the past, illustrating the significance of mysticism and discipleship.

The Sufis are as diverse as the countries in which they've flourished—from Morocco to India to China—and as varied as their distinctive forms of art, music, poetry, and dance. They are said to represent the mystical heart of Islam, yet the term Sufism is notoriously difficult to define, as it means different things to different people both within and outside the tradition. With that fact in mind, Carl Ernst explores the broadest range of Sufi philosophies and practices to provide one of the most complete and comprehensive introductions to Sufism available in English. He traces the history of the movement from the earliest days of Islam to the present day, along the way examining its relationship to the larger world of Islam and its encounters with both fundamentalism and secularism in the modern world.