Customer Reviews

Sufism

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4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(2)
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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.

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.

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).

This book may completely change the way you see things. It is about the Sufi(Islamic) conception of God, Creation, etc and is useful for both Muslims and Non-Muslims in understanding the philosophy and rich scholarship of Sufism. The author approaches it from a very orthodox and traditional view, unlike the "New Age Sufism" that is prevalent in some circles. Also, the author is a reputable scholar who has mastered the languages of classical Sufi writers.

If you are interested in Islam or Sufism and approach things with an unbiased point of view, you owe it to yourself to read this book. I borrowed it from a public library and now I plan on buying it.

This book is not about politics or "why I am right, and you are wrong". Buy this book only if you are interested in learning about Sufism/Islam directly from its sources.

I can't believe on a web page that should reflect thoughtful dicussions about mysticism, religeon and life people are arguing baout whether Jesus or Muhammad was greater. This is ridiculous and a sign of insecurity or ignorance. They were both great men in different ways and have impacted our societies differently.

Ibn Arabe is an excellent person to read about as he is familiar with both traditions and reflects a unique and renowned understanding of spirituality and mystical thought.

The next thing you know someone else will be arguing that hey Buddha was even greater than "your two" prophets. Grow up.

I suppose this book is a good beginner's guide if you can follow the reading. I found it to be a very taxing read. I found myself reading sentences several times and slowing down tremendously to try to understand what exactly was meant by each sentence. The sentence structure, the run on sentences, and the way the book is organized, makes it hard for someone like myself to follow the actual point of it all. The book pulls you in too many directions all at once, which often leads to the reader finding themselves lost in the sauce. The price is great, but that might be due to the fact that no one wants a book they can't understand:)

I was so bothered by the hateful diatribe of the previous review that I felt compelled to respond to his bigotry and small mindedness. Some of humanities greatest minds devoted their whole lives to studying Quran and hadith and emulating the behaviour of the Prophet. Averroes, Ibn Sina, Al-Ghazali, and many other of the worlds greatest philosophers, mystics, and scientists found their guidance in Islam. Yet the reader from Britain, who probably practices no religion and read one or two introductory books on Islam and now considers himself an expert, has the arrogance to dismiss the religion as a waste of time because Muslims do not have the big screen TV's and gas guzzling SUV's that "us Christians, Secularists, and Athiests have in the West". I would invite the reader to examine the deplorable history of the secular West (especially as regards the 20th century, the bloodiest in history) and find anything that Muslims have done that faintly compares to the slavery of Africans in America, the colonization and oppression of Africa and Asia by the "enlightened" Brits, the genocide of Native peoples in the Americas, and the moral depravity that is currently destroying the very foundations of Western civilization. I much prefer being a "backward" Muslim and being content with the fact that I and my Muslim brothers and sisters will always be imperfect, than an athiest that finds comfort in only finding fault with the sacred beliefs of others.

As a Palestinian historian, I have failed to see of what use Sufism has been for the middle east. Sufism has made little or no difference on a social and political level and has never played a major, positive role. Indeed one can the say the same about Islam itself. Islam never achieved the promise of the ideal society of "dar' Salaam", or the society of Peace and prosperity and has been a complete failure in this regard. The so called Islamic civilization has been no better, if not worse, than any other worldly civilization. The so called peace was never achieved not even among the companion of Mohammad himself. Shortly after his death, or indeed during his last few days, the conflict over political power started and killings and wars began to take many lives. This social and political "mess" that was left behind and continues to this date in Moslem countries, are no doubt the result of Mohammad's own mismanagement and his naive approach to his community and complicated social, political and cultural issues. The statement attributed to him as saying " after me cling to Quran and my tradition and you will not go astray" is an indication of how simple minded his approach was. This formula did not even work for his own companion immediately after his death. The famous Sufi, Ibne' Arabi is another example of how naive this formula is. Ibne' Arabi is known by many Moslem Scholars as the greatest Saint and known as the greatest enemy by just as many other Moslem scholars. Those who defend him as a great saint, use Quran and Hadith of Mohammad to prove their point. In the much the same way, those who consider him the ultimate evil in Islam, also use Quran and tradition to make their point. Well, so much for relying on QUran and tradition as a source of guidance. Islam, like any other religion, has brought more confusion, hate and killing than guidance, and peace. There is no need for us to dwell on philosophy and speculation on Islam or sufiism's failure, we have 1400 years of track record and historical data behind us for anyone who is brave enough to want to face the "Trut". I think it is about time for middle east to leave the non-sense of religion behind and get on with their lives.