Islamic mysticism : a short history / Alexander Knysh.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Knysh, Alexander D.

Series:

Themes in Islamic studies ; 1.

Themes in Islamic studies ; vol. 1

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Sufism--History.

Sufism.

Mysticism--Islam--History.

Mysticism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (372 pages)

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2000.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

The book provides a general survey of the history of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) since its inception up to the modern time. It combines chronological and personality-based approaches to the subject with a thematic discussion of principal Sufi notions and institutions. Sufism is examined from a variety of different perspectives: as a vibrant social institution, a specific form of artistic expression (mainly poetic), an ascetic and contemplative practice, and a distinctive intellectual tradition that derived its vitality from a dialogue with other strands of Islamic thought. The book emphasizes the wide variety of Sufism's interactions with the society and its institutions from an ascetic withdrawal from the world to an active involvement in its affairs by individual Sufi masters and organizations. Islamic Mysticism by Knysh is a comprehensive survey of the interesting and fascinating world of Islamic Mysticism.

Contents:

Preliminary Material

INTRODUCTION

THE BEGINNINGS

ASCETICISM AND MYSTICISM IN WESTERN PROVINCES: SYRIA AND EGYPT

THE SUFISM OF THE BAGHDAD SCHOOL

THE “INTOXICATED” MYSTICISM OF AL-BISṬĀMĪ AND AL-ḤALLĀJ

ASCETIC AND MYSTICAL MOVEMENTS IN BAṢRA AND KHURĀSĀN

THE SYSTEMATIZATION OF THE SUFI TRADITION

SUFISM AS LITERATURE AND METAPHYSICS: THE GRAND MASTERS OF SUFI POETRY AND PHILOSOPHY

UNITY AND DIVERSITY IN SUFISM. THE RISE OF THE ṬARĪQAS

SUFI INSTITUTIONS IN REGIONAL CONTEXTS OVER THE LAST SIX CENTURIES

MAJOR SUFI CONCEPTS AND INSTITUTIONS

GENERAL CONCLUSION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

GENERAL INDEX

INDEX OF BOOK TITLES

INDEX OF TERMS.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-283-85639-5

90-04-21576-X

OCLC:

817584075

Publisher Number:

10.1163/ej.9789004194625.i-358 DOI