Women of Sufism

The radiant presence of women who walk the Sufi path – the mystical path of Islam – comes alive here through their sacred songs and poems, their dreams and visions, as well as stories of their endeavors while bearing witness to the truth in many realms. These writings reflect the honor and respect for the feminine in the Sufi worldview and are shared in the spirit of inspiration and hope for the flourishing contributions of women to the spiritual development of humanity.

Over the centuries, from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present, the selected texts from or about a variety of Sufi traditions come from different parts of the world, from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Europe and America – from beloved members of the Prophet's family to the mystic Rabi'a al-Adawiyya and the modern scholar Annemarie Schimmel. Biographical anecdotes and personal memories provide insight into the experiences of great saints and contemporary practitioners while also introducing the principles and practices of Sufism.

About the Author

Camille Adams Helminski is a co-founder and co-director of the Threshold Society in Aptos, California, an educational foundation in the Mevlevi tradition based on the teachings of Rumi. She was the first woman to translate a significant portion of the Quran.