Mysticism, defined as a direct experience with God that cannot occur through intellectual knowledge, has the potential to offer women opportunities disallowed by a patriarchal society. Because mysticism exists outside of religious institutions and hierarchies, female mystics could receive opportunities for public expression often prohibited by Medieval Islamic societies. Islamic Mysticism, or Sufism, has a...Read More

THE title of this book sufficiently explains why it is included in a Series ‘exemplifying the adventures and labours of individual seekers or groups of seekers in quest of reality.’ Sufism, the religious philosophy of Islam, is described in the oldest extant definition as ‘the apprehension of divine realities,’ and Mohammedan mystics are fond of...Read More

The word Tasawwuf is Arabic word which means Islamic mysticism. The western scholars prefer to translate the word Tasawwuf as Sufism.Hujwiri says,” Sufi is a name which is given and has formerly been given to the perfect saint and spiritual adepts. One of the Shayikh says: “Man saffahu ‘l-hubb fa-huwa saf wa man safafahu ‘I...Read More

Every culture develops within its own distinctive framework, in which discourses on identity are differently modulated and shared: ideas and modes of thought are the locus of cultural projections, laden with a specific historical and social heritage. However, these frameworks should ideally be elastic enough to allow for the exchange and spread of those specific...Read More