Customer Reviews

When You Hear Hoofbeats Think of a Zebra: Talks on Sufism

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This is one of my favorite books which I have read atleast 10 times. Whenever I feel down I read this book and it teaches me new things each time. This book deals with the (islamic) sufi "code of conduct" and addresses the issue of how we should live every day of our life with mindfullness of Allah, rather than just go through each day mindlessly, like an automaton -- hense the title, "when you hear hoofbeats, think of a zebra" (instead of a horse). Shems explains through beautiful sufi stories which will be with you for a long time. I highly recommend this book to any muslim (with esoteric outlook) looking for inspiration and meaning of life.

A collection of Sufi wisdom by a 'Baba' of the Jerrahi Halveti Sufi order. The order itself originates from Turkey and during Ottoman times was followed by large numbers of civil servants of the Ottoman government. The order currently has a large following in Turkey and also in the west, primarily in the United States with a limited following mostly amongst Turkish ex-pats living in Europe.

The book is written in the typical 'teaching form' of Sufi text including Sufi sage wisdom regarding good conduct in daily life, amongst 'fellow dervishes' and towards a 'Sheikh' The book is intended to make the reader reconsider how he/she sees the world and themselves and reflect upon what is beyond the mundane in life.

It is a fascinating book that is worth tracking down even for the curious non-Muslim wishing to know a little more about the spiritual side of the Muslim faith.