Sufism

The Sufis are as diverse as the countries in which they thrive – from Morocco to India to China – and just as varied as their distinctive forms of art, music, poetry, and dance. They are said to represent the mystical heart of Islam, yet the term Sufism is notoriously difficult to define, as it holds different meanings for various people both within and outside the tradition. Against this backdrop, Carl Ernst explores the broadest spectrum of Sufi philosophies and practices to provide one of the most complete and comprehensive introductions to Sufism available in English. He traces the history of the movement from the earliest days of Islam to the present, examining its relationship to the larger world of Islam as well as its encounters with both fundamentalism and secularism in the modern world.