To understand Islam, one must understand the people who practice this faith. Consequently, this book is a detailed ethnographic study of two contemporary Sufi communities. It explores the perplexing range of theological and ritual variation, arguing for a direct correlation between Sufi multiformity and the agency of the spiritual leader, the Shaikh. He is principally responsible for shaping the community under his leadership. This work gives fascinating...

Caravan of Dreams distills the essence of Eastern thought in a feast of Sufi stories, sayings, poems and allegories, collected by one of the world's leading experts in Oriental philosophy and Sufism. Idries Shah builds up a complete picture of a single consciousness, relating Eastern mythology to reality, illuminating historical patterns, and presenting philosophical legends in this unique anthology. Its title is inspired from the couplet written...

A serious, yet entertaining, look at the impediments in current thought which prevent certain forms of understanding between people. The title story was made into an award-winning film with script by Idries Shah, and chosen as an Outstanding Film of the Year. The Dermis Probe comprises a collection of extracts from the written and oral tradition of Eastern thinkers. In his preface, Shah notes, 'In this book you can find illustrated some of the peculiarities...

Thirty-five years after its original publication, Mystical Dimensions of Islam still stands as the most valuable introduction to Sufism, the main form of Islamic mysticism. This edition brings to a new generation of readers Annemarie Schimmel's historical treatment of the transnational phenomenon of Sufism, from its beginnings through the nineteenth century.Schimmel's sensitivity and deep understanding of Sufism--its origins, development, and historical...

This is a definitive book on the Sufi "way of blame" that addresses the cultural life of Sufism in its entirety. Originating in ninth-century Persia, the "way of blame" (Arab. malamatiyya) is a little-known tradition within larger Sufism that focused on the psychology of egoism and engaged in self-critique. Later, the term referred to those Sufis who shunned Islamic literalism and formalism, thus being worthy of "blame." Yannis Toussulis may be the...

Al-Jawshan al Kabir is, one of the prayers most frequently recited by Muslims. Some Muslims prefer to read the entire prayer by themselves, whereas others share it with their friends or household and make it part of their daily service. The Arabic text of this beautiful prayer book have been, written in the most elegant art of calligraphy and pages are, ornamented with colorful illuminations.

At the very heart of Islam lies the spiritual way of Sufism. Far removed from the negative portrayal of Islam in the headlines, Sufism is rooted in the harmonious qualities of peace, love, beauty, and wisdom. Its primary focus is to return human beings to unity with God. This select treasury of Sufi wisdom includes nearly 400 short sayings from, as many as, 100 of the greatest Sufi saints and sages in history, covering a vast span of 1,400-years....

Mizan Press is pleased to announce the publication of the first English translation from the Risala, the famous compendium of Sufi knowledge and practice by al-Qushayri (d. 1072). Principles of Sufism includes all sections of the Risala concerning the fundamental principles of Sufism; it omits only the biographical notices at the beginning of the work and various highly technical matters at its end. One of the most widely read Sufi treatises in Arabic,...

Behind the clamorous headlines of militant and political Islam lies, a more serene and cultivated form of traditional Islam. Jean-Louis Michon, a UNESCO advisor tasked with preserving the architectural and artistic heritage of Islam, unveils this lesser-known dimension of the world's second largest religion.

This book takes the reader into the heart of the mystery of the 99 sacred Names of Allah. It is a vehicle for understanding the infinite nature of God, and for discovering the divine potential in every soul. It is also a comprehensive guidebook for progressing through the stages of the spiritual path and an instruction manual for teachers on how to work with students more wisely, as physicians of the heart. In the process of this voyage to discovery,...