What is Sufism? (Islamic Texts Society)

My husband loves this book.

I had done quite a bit of research on Sufism for a few courses and I have found Lings' little book to be absolutely remarkable.First, it is important to note that Lings writes from the perspective of Sufism, so he casually brushes aside orthodox readings in favor of spiritual or "vertical" readings of the Qur''n. This makes for quite easy comparison with other forms of Mysticism, but I feel at times this isn't a very true approach. To be more honest with the tradition, Sufism qua Islam would be more appropriate. But, due to my own biases, Sufism qua Mysticism makes for a far more universal, comparative study. Keep this bias in mind before reading.The book itself concisely covers all that one could ask for in a book this size. Lings' ability to be terse yet illuminating is legendary here. This seems to come from the power of his summations where he ties up his thoughts and makes very definite statements about the philosophy and implications of Sufism. These tend to come across as both inspirational and brilliant. Also, he splices citations into his reading effortlessly and poignantly which makes for great direction for further study.If you have a mystic bias this book will certainly deliver. Even if you do not, Lings' understanding of the material is still unmistakable.

You need a good background in Islam to understand this book.

Although the cover practically looks like an "I Can Read Book," this is not a beginner's book. Martin Lings, a great scholar and Sufi, has written a beautiful and deeply esoteric work that explores the Sufi lineage, keeping it within its bounds and place in Islam. The original Sufi, no doubt, was Muhammad عليه السلام‎.As is stated, “Sufism today is a name without a reality that was once a reality without a name." It is simply the esoteric, the inner kernel of Islam. The problem with creating names/ideas around the idea of "Sufism" is that it immediately polarizes and creates divisions. That is not the intent of original sufi's, who were simply the mystics (including Muhammad عليه السلام, Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib and others who are well quoted in making very "Sufi" statements about union, oneness of being, etc.) well before there was ever a name associated with their devotional philosophies.This book does a beautiful job of keeping the reality of Sufism firmly anchored in the lineage of Islam, maintaining the importance of exoteric Islamic practices, all while exploring different thoughts, ideas and figures of its deeply meaningful history.

I found this to be the best book that I have read so far that introduces the theoretical and practical concepts of Sufism. The author makes Sufism intellectualy appealing. I especialy like how Mr.Lings discusses the concept of 'wahid al wujud' or 'unity of existence.' That is very important to know when understand the 'world view' of Sufism.I believe books like these can help introduce Islam western educated audiences unlike the many books that talk about Islam as if it was a bunch of laws and nothing more. The Reviewer's comments below were totaly misleading and show complete ignorance of Islam. There are authentic hadiths that make references to the higher states for example. Sufism is a very islamic concept that was recognized by al 4 of the great imams(3 of which me mentioned) Shafi, Malik, Ahmad, Hanafi. Sufism was also recognized as valid by ibn Tamiyaa himself. ibn Tamiyaa was a shayk in the Qadiri tariqat. Shayk Ghazzali was not credited with being the "founder of Sufism." He however standardized and made it popular with his tremendous influence. There is absoutely no proof that he changed any of his ideas. At the end of his life he moved to Palestine and totaly put aside public life.He made no writings or speechs at all then. There are many mystical stories from the region today about his last years there. Also Islam DOES recognize sainthood. Even ibn Tamiyaa recognized it. ibn Tamiyaa was a contraversial scholar and labelled heretical by mainstream sunni islam. This critic's views reflect that of the Wahabi fundementalists who dumb down religion and show extreme intolerence to others.

Having read several introductory books on Sufism, this is one of the better ones (Arberry's is also good, despite its age). It is a book which actually tries to convey the heart in Sufism. As for the other reviewer from Egypt "Do not be fooled" -- someone who despises Sufism should not be allowed to review books on Sufism. In fact, I would be surprised if that reviewer even read the book so much as writing negative reviews on every Sufi book, spreading his fundamentalist beliefs around -- but we can laugh at such things, for would not a Sufi also take it ligh heartedly?I would not recommend this book over, say Arberry, Schimmel, or Idries Shah -- but I would recommend it over books by Ernst, Harvey, or Sedgewick.

well written and simple to understand. This book gives a fine introduction to Sufism from its very beginings, through its practices going on to the history of Sufism to the present day. Easier to read than Burckhards book and perhaps more sympathetic than Smith or Nicholsons well worth a read for anyone with an interest in the Muslim religion.

I was told this book was like NEW. Almost every page is marked in pen, underlined in pen, some markings are highlighted in one some are highlighted in multi color highlighter pens. Name of the person or sales clerk is Amanda Torres, and the PRODUCT CONDITION she notes is VERY GOOD! This seems ironic and even more galling!

Um livro essencial para quem só conhece os clichés comuns notificados sobre o assunto.

Probably the best book on Sufism I have read. Other books I encountered are not so good. I started to read books by Martin Lings (I had heard of him before) after reading Kristiana Bakar's book " From MTV to Islam" which is an excellent book, detailing her spiritual journey to Islam. She was blessed to have friends like Martin Lings and Gai Eaton. Her book opened many doors of exploration for me, and I started reading Martin Ling's books. This book is not an easy read and deep with fascinating perspectives, and there are some profound quotes which touches one's heart. As in any book, there may be aspects which one may not quite agree with, but there are more positives here for me. This has made me understand the importance of the spiritual connection with God, and Martin Lings is a very credible author to write on this subject.

Deep, contemplative writings on Sufism. Martin Lings is among the greatest writers on religion in contemporary times. This book is meant to be read slowly, contemplatively, and that could bring a change in your outlook to life. For those who like this, also highly recommended is the same author's 'The Book of Certainty'.

One of must have books from Martin Lings

The book is amazing and I would recommend it to everyone who is searching for a deeper meaning to Islam. Martin Lings is an excellent writer.