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Sufism is the heart of the Islamic tradition. Its teachings, which synthesize the ways of knowledge and love, are founded upon many of the most beautiful verses of the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Through an unbroken succession of wise and ecstatic voices – many of whom were among the greatest poets of both the Arabic and Persian languages – the doctrine of Sufism has been a constant fountain of spiritual illumination throughout its long history for seekers both within and outside Islam.
The Mystics of Islam, first published in l914, has long been recognized as a classic and definitive introduction to the message of Sufism. In this short but comprehensive work, R.A. Nicholson – who was one of the greatest Islamic scholars of the early 20th century – provides the general reader with an easy approach to the study of Islamic mysticism. He gives a broad outline of Sufism and describes the key principles, methods and characteristic features of the inner life as it has been lived by Muslims of every class and condition from the 8th century onwards. Many quotations are given, mainly in the author’s own fine translations from the original Arabic and Persian.
Confronted as we are today by the bitter fundamentalism of fanatics who have distorted the meaning of Islam to serve their own purposes, Nicholson’s book is a timely reminder of the beautiful and profound soul of the Islamic faith. The following words – written by one of the greatest Sufis, Ibn Arabi, more than 700 years ago and translated by Nicholson in his text – expresses the universal spirit of the mystical journey: “My heart has become capable of every form: it is a pasture for gazelles and a convent for Christian monks…. I follow the religion of Love, whichever way his camels take. My religion and my faith is the true religion.”
About the Author(s)
Reynold A. Nicholson
English Orientalist, lecturer in Persian and Sir Thomas Adams professor of Arabic at Cambridge university, Reynold A. Nicholson was a foremost scholar in the field of Islamic literature and mysticism.World Wisdom published his celebrated book, The Mystics of Islam in the Fall of 2002 as part of the Spiritual Classics series.
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Reviews
- R.A. Nicholson’s Mystics of Islam was the first book in the West to offer a lucid and sympathetic picture of Islamic mysticism, and I believe that many scholars and lay people have received their first introduction to the spiritual aspects of Islam as a result of having read this modest, yet precious book, which has not lost any of its importance to this day.
Annnemarie Schimmel, Professor Emeritus, Harvard University and author of Mystical Dimensions of Islam.
- In these times one would have hoped fundamentalism would have died and that humanity would have grown beyond the need for simple answers, yet as we plummet into this new century religious hatred seems to be on the increase. When this is coupled with nationalism, racism, and extremism, the result is truly frightening. What is even more saddening about fundamentalism is that it reduces our appreciation of the depth of the religious traditions. Too often we judge a tradition by its more vocal minority and forget its long heritage, its mystical traditions, and its more silent saints. Islam seems the hardest hit and in the West we seem to have such little appreciation for its history, great achievements and above all, its mystical heart. The re-publication of The Mystics of Islam is timely and much needed. This is a superb and high respected overview of Sufism, which is the mystical tradition that beats at the very heart of Islam. It is a wide tradition which includes a multitude of approaches, ranging from the simple life of the mystic enflamed in devotion to Allah, dancing, drumming and singing, to profound and enigmatic works of Sufi tales and stories.
Mystics of Islam was first published in 1914 and has been long considered one of the classic texts in the field respected by both scholars and those with an interest in esotericism and mysticism. While it is relatively short, it is a surprisingly comprehensive overview of the key elements of Sufism, its history and schools as well as covering how Sufism is practised and lived.Living Traditions
