Unravelling The Enigma [Paperback]

Marianne Warren (Author), Marianne Warren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

This book examines Sai Baba of Shirdi from the standpoint of Islamic mysticism - the Deccani Sufism of 19th century Maharashtra - in order to resolve the mystery surrounding the saint. Two new pieces of work are used in this book. First, Dr. Warren elucidates the English translation of part of the works of some 17th and 18th century Maharashtrian Sufi poet-saints. Secondly, she includes the English translation of the previously untranslated Urdu notebook, jotted down by Abdul - Sai Baba's faqiri pupil - from teachings based on the Qur'an given to him by his pir Sai Baba. Both of these contributions allow us to look into a world hitherto closed, and expand our awareness of the famous miracle-worker of Shirdi.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Marianne Warren was born in England where she earned her first BA degree from the University of Exter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 439 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Private Ltd; 4th edition (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8120721470
• ISBN-13: 978-8120721470
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #553,346 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent review of Sai as a Sufi master, February 17, 2007

By 

Srinivasan Nenmeli Krishna "nksrinivasan" (Palo Alto CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Unravelling The Enigma (Paperback)

This work is a definitive work trying to prove that Shirdi Sai Baba belonged to a Sufi tradition and was indeed a Sufi master.The present widely held belief among millions of His [predominantly] Hindu devotees is that Sai Baba was a Hindu, born to Hindu parents, but brought up by a muslim fakir in boyhood years..this book gives compelling accounts of Sai's sufi connection, based on Abdul Baba 's notes/diary.....A must reading for Baba devotees and for those who study religious history of 20th century.....

4.0 out of 5 stars A must read especially for all Hindu devotees of Shirdi Sai!, November 8, 2011

By 

Spiritual Soul - See all my reviews

This review is from: Unravelling The Enigma (Paperback)

This is an excellent work which sheds light on the Sufi side of Shirdi Saibaba.
A must-read especially for all the hindu devotees of the saint. I am quite surprised that this book isnt that popular in devotee circles. It is probably because of ignorance and also a reluctance in accepting Shirdi Sai as a saint with muslim background.

The author make some compelling arguements in her favor - drawing the right parallels and bringing in the appropriate historical context forward. It is quite amazing that the rest of the works are all quite hindu biased - but probably because they all finally source themselves from either Gunaji's work or Narasimhaswami's (both of which are excellent in themselves but this offers a fresh perspective).

But there is also some fair criticism to offer about this work - in many instances the author tries hard to pick everything that Shirdi Sai said and link it to a Sufi theme. I think many of those instances could very easily be linked to Hindu origins as well. The work at times comes across as a project thesis- desperate to prove a point.

Nevertheless a great piece of work - a true devotee of Shirdi Sai should consider to revere Him even after knowing about His muslim background.Salutations to the Lord of Shirdi.