To understand Islam, one must understand the people who practice this faith. Consequently, this book is a detailed ethnographic study of two contemporary Sufi communities. It explores the perplexing range of theological and ritual variation, arguing for a direct correlation between Sufi multiformity and the agency of the spiritual leader, the Shaikh. He is principally responsible for shaping the community under his leadership. This work gives fascinating...

Oriental Magic is recognized as a brilliant study of how, what and why people think, in territories extending from North Africa to Japan. Profusely illustrated, the book is the product of years of research and field-work in a dozen different cultural regions. Its scholarly accuracy and genuine contribution to cultural understanding have made it a key text for anyone interested in informal beliefs, and esoteric practices. The work includes material...

A serious, yet entertaining, look at the impediments in current thought which prevent certain forms of understanding between people. The title story was made into an award-winning film with script by Idries Shah, and chosen as an Outstanding Film of the Year. The Dermis Probe comprises a collection of extracts from the written and oral tradition of Eastern thinkers. In his preface, Shah notes, 'In this book you can find illustrated some of the peculiarities...

Mizan Press is pleased to announce the publication of the first English translation from the Risala, the famous compendium of Sufi knowledge and practice by al-Qushayri (d. 1072). Principles of Sufism includes all sections of the Risala concerning the fundamental principles of Sufism; it omits only the biographical notices at the beginning of the work and various highly technical matters at its end. One of the most widely read Sufi treatises in Arabic,...

Tierno Bokar, African mystic and Muslim spiritual teacher, was remarkable for the drama of his life story (which was, made into a recent play directed by Peter Brook). His message of religious tolerance and universal love, is profoundly important in a world, where different faiths are often at odds with each other

This book describes the intimate relationship between a truly realized teacher, or true Sheikh, and his disciples. He explains the trust that one must have in a teacher, and the dedication to removing one s flaws and cultivating the divine qualities exhibited by such a teacher. A student who really wishes to progress must prepare his heart with faith, determination, and patience for whatever difficulties may come on this journey. This unique explanation...

Behind the clamorous headlines of militant and political Islam lies, a more serene and cultivated form of traditional Islam. Jean-Louis Michon, a UNESCO advisor tasked with preserving the architectural and artistic heritage of Islam, unveils this lesser-known dimension of the world's second largest religion.

This comprehensive study explores Sufism as a form of self-purification, offering a deeper understanding of the sacred acts and a greater knowledge and love of the divine. The first volume of the series presents such Sufi concepts as repentance, reflection, self-criticism, asceticism, piety, abstinence, self-supervision, and sincerity.

Dentro del legado espiritual recibido a lo largo del tiempo, tal vez sea el sufismo el que mejor ha explicado y codificado el proceso de acercamiento a Dios, aunando una sólida enseñanza filosófica con una praxis bien definida. Su enseñanza principal es Dios, Allah y Su unicidad. Es la aspiración y meta del sufí que sabe que hay una Vía para el reencuentro con Él, que necesita un maestro espiritual y que solo con el intelecto no se llega muy...

PRAYER is an excellent representation of the entire range of instruction of Muhammad Raheem Bawa Muhaiyaddeen, may Allah be pleased with him, regarding the myriad aspects of the progressive steps of prayer and righteous behavior necessary for the purification of the seeker's heart, and opening out the wisdom and knowledge that is its inherent enlightenment.