Sufi Institutions

By Alexandre Papas (editor),

Book cover of Sufi Institutions

Book description

This volume describes the social and practical aspects of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) across centuries and geographical regions. Its authors seek to transcend ethereal, essentialist and "spiritualizing" approaches to Sufism, on the one hand, and purely pragmatic and materialistic explanations of its origins and history, on the other. Covering five topics…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked Sufi Institutions as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Now that you know what Sufism is all about, it is time to find out what lies behind the romantic façade of Sufi love poetry, ecstatic outbursts, and exotic rituals. For this purpose, I cannot recommend a better guide than this collective monograph. Its authors explain the nuts and bolts of Sufi life past and present: how Sufis interact with the world that they are supposed to despise and reject, how they feed themselves and their families, how they create and sustain their fellowships and associations, how their shrines serve as centers of charity, education, and arbitration as well as…

From Alexander's list on teaching you how to be a Sufi.

Want books like Sufi Institutions?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Sufi Institutions.

Browse books like Sufi Institutions

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Sufism, Islam, and pilgrimages?

Sufism 37 books
Islam 127 books
Pilgrimages 28 books