Beshara and Ibn 'Arabi: A Movement of Sufi Spirituality in the Modern World [Hardcover]

Suha Taji-Farouki (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1905937008 | ISBN-13: 978-1905937004 | Publication Date: November 1, 2007

Investigating sufi-inspired spirituality in the modern world, this multi-faceted and interdisciplinary volume focuses on Beshara, a spiritual movement that applies the teachings of Ibn ‘Arabi in a non-Muslim context. It traces the movement’s emergence in sixties Britain and analyses its major teachings and practices, exploring through this case-study the interface between sufism and the New Age, and the encounter between Islam and the West. Examining from a global perspective the impact of cultural transformations associated with modernization and globalization on religion, this timely volume concludes by tracing possible futures of sufi spirituality both in the West and in the Muslim world.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A] masterful and multifaceted study. This important book opens out to provide a much-needed critique of the sociology of Islam in the age of globalization."  —Victoria Rowe Holbrook, former associate professor of Turkish literary and cultural studies, Ohio State University

"The great interest of this exemplary book . . . is its discussion of the way in which Ibn 'Arabi's teachings have been received, rejected, and transformed in the modern world."  —Professor Michel Chodkiewicz, author, Seal of the Saints and Ocean Without Shore

"A marvellous book . . . historically and ethnographically well-informed, with equally well-informed use of theory . . . handled with very considerable sensitivity and lucidly written."  —Paul Heelas, author, The New Age Movement and The Spiritual Revolution

"The primary reference work on Beshara will be this thoughtful, intelligent and immensely well-researched book. We can learn a great deal from it."  —Peter Young, principal, Beshara School of Intensive Esoteric Education

About the Author

Suha Taji-Farouki is Senior Lecturer in Modern Islam at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, the University of Exeter, and Research Associate at The Institute of Ismaili Studies (London). She has written extensively on modern Islamic thought, including (ed.) Islamic Thought in the Twentieth Century and Modern Muslim Intellectuals and the Qur'an. She is the author/translator of Ibn ‘Arabi, A Prayer for Spiritual Elevation and Protection.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 490 pages
• Publisher: Anqa Publishing (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1905937008
• ISBN-13: 978-1905937004
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,100,053 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.