Islamic Spirituality: Foundations (World Spirituality)

A broad-ranging, illustrated, scholarly treatment of core topics in Islamic spirituality. This book discusses the foundations of Sufism, including the Qur’an, the Hadith, pilgrimage, and prayer, as well as a study of the rise of Islam. The companion book Islamic Spirituality: Manifestations delves more deeply into the different ways that Sufism is lived out around the world, with attention to the various sects and their writings.

Sufi authors have written some of the most moving spiritual literature in the world, but getting a handle on it all can be a chore. Where were they coming from? What were their issues? What was their impact? Seventeen scholars have come together to answer these and other questions in Islamic Spirituality: Foundations. Of course, the seeds of Sufism are to be found in the core of Islam--the Quran, the Hadith, pilgrimage, prayer, and such. In Islamic Spirituality: Foundations, the development of these as aspects of an inner tradition are explored in depth as a jumping-off point for talking about the history, practices, and beliefs of the Sufi tradition itself. The assumption is that there is a spiritual side to Islam and that it is most fully developed in Sufi orders and writings. After an extensive treatment of the spirituality inherent in Islam, the authors give an overview of the rise of Sufism. Details of the various sects and literature of Sufism are left for the companion volume, Islamic Spirituality: Manifestations. While the academic language of these scholars can cause mental roadblocks at times, the extra effort is balanced by the wealth of knowledge that they offer. --Brian Bruya