Islamic Mysticism Contested
Book Description
Islamic mysticism has sparked passionate debates within the Muslim community from Islam's earliest days to the present moment. This comprehensive scholarly exploration examines the ongoing tensions between mystical approaches to faith and their critics throughout Islamic history.
Drawing from the expertise of international Islamicists and regional specialists, this extensive work reveals how controversies surrounding Sufism and mystical practices have consistently intertwined with broader social and political dynamics. The debates examined here are not merely theological abstractions but living discussions that have shaped communities, influenced rulers, and defined religious boundaries across centuries and cultures.
Readers seeking to understand the complexity of Islamic spiritual traditions will discover how mystical interpretations of faith have faced resistance, adaptation, and transformation. The volume demonstrates that these controversies represent more than simple disagreements about religious practice. They reflect fundamental questions about authority, authenticity, and the proper relationship between the individual seeker and divine truth.
This scholarly investigation offers valuable insights into how spiritual movements navigate opposition while maintaining their essential character. By examining these historical and contemporary debates, the work illuminates the dynamic nature of religious tradition and the ongoing process through which communities define their spiritual boundaries.
For those interested in the intersection of mysticism, politics, and religious authority, this thorough analysis provides essential context for understanding one of Islam's most enduring internal dialogues.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~23 hours)
📄 Length: 829 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Islam--controversial literature
- ✓ Explore mystical experiences
- ✓ Explore Sufi mystical teachings
- ✓ Explore 297.4/09
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Sufism--history
- ✓ Explore Islam
- ✓ Explore Bp189.36.i85 1999
