Sufism: A Beginner's Guide [Paperback]

William C. Chittick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2007

William C. Chittick, the leading scholar in the field, offers a compelling insight into the origins, context, and key themes of this fascinating movement. He draws upon the words of some of the greatest Sufi writers to give a fresh and revealing perspective on the teachings and beliefs of Sufism and its proponents. This fresh and authoritative book will be appreciated by anyone interested in Sufism, from complete beginners to students, scholars, and experts alike.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Sufism is often regarded as the mystical branch of Islam, but to Sufis it has always been considered the heart of Islam. In this brief but dense introduction, one of the foremost scholars on Sufism opens up the tradition of the Sufis themselves. While many introductions to Sufism reveal only the "intoxicated" Sufism of paradoxical parables and poets drunken with love for God, Sufism is also balanced by a sober side. William Chittick presents both sides, touching on the major beliefs and practices of Sufis through the ages. What distinguishes Chittick's work is that he draws directly from his vast knowledge of original Sufi writings. He introduces us to Arabic terms, which if merely translated into English would mislead the reader. Instead, he describes the nuances of a few key terms that deliver the reader beyond our usual understanding and into the minds and hearts of Sufi mystics, philosophers, and theologians. Chittick's writing can be difficult, tossing off words like "supererogatory" and "deracinated," but a patient reading will reward you with an understanding of the subtlety and dynamism that Sufism brings to the Islamic tradition. --Brian Bruya --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

William C. Chittick is Professor of Comparative Studies at the State University of New York. A greatly respected scholar, he spent over twelve years in Iran before the revolution studying Sufism in theory and in practice. He has written widely on Sufism and Shi'ism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oneworld (November 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851685472
• ISBN-13: 978-1851685479
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #330,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction, July 22, 2001

By 

Behrooz (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sufism (Paperback)

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.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, December 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sufism (Paperback)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring To The Soul, January 1, 2004

By 

Deanna (New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sufism (Paperback)

This book gives a definition and general history of what sufism can best be described as, the spiritual aspects of Islam (it would be best to know some general things about Islam before reading this book), poems and writings by some famous sufis such as Rumi and Ibn Arabi, etc. William Chittick does write beautifully and found this book spiritually inspiring. However, I found a few of the concepts mentioned to be a little over my head such as the chapter about the lifting of the veils that surround God(swt).