The Thoughtful Guide series is for serious spiritual seekers looking to deepen their knowledge of a particular region. It offers not primarily text books for the library, though they can be used as such, but accessible overviews of the history and the benefits that a particular religious practice can bring to the reader. The authors eschew fundamentalism and excessive simplifications, mapping out paths that can be followed with the mind as well as heart. Sufism is the heart of Islam. Its key is an inner light and awakening, an outer courtesy and service to humanity. It relates to Islam much as the mystical tradition does to Christianity, but far more prominently. With authors like Rumi achieving all-time popularity, Sufism is increasingly acknowledged as a spritual answer to modern materialism. This introductory guide describes its origins and background, the relationship with Islam, and its spread throughout the world. It covers what it means to be a Sufi and the relevance of Sufism in modern life. Biographies of prominent Sufis and a selection of writing make this an indispensable guide to this profound tradition.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri
Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri is a writer philosopher who combines knowledge and experience of the spiritual teachings of the East with a keen understanding of the West. He was raised in a family of several generations of spiritual leaders in the Holy City of Karbala. Educated in Europe and America. Shaykh Fadhlalla was active in the oil industry and international business, which he later abandoned in pursuit of spiritual knowledge. His re-discovery of the true Islamic heritage enables him to understand and relate to the spiritual quest wherever it may arise, irrespective of culture or ethnic diversity. Shaykh Fadhlalla established a charitable trust with activities in several countries, in education, health and the publication of Islamic literature. One of his main aims is to make accessible to younger generations the Islamic transactional way of life (Din), through the discovery of the root and foundation of the Divine message. Shaykh Fadhlalla has recently established the Academy of Self Knowledge in South Africa. The Academy offers an intensive online, internet-based course, which is specifically aimed at the committed seeker of self knowledge and spiritual development. He is also the author of numerous books and continues to travel and lecture widely.
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