Mystical Dimensions of Islam

“A well-balanced and perceptive general introduction to Sufism. . . . It is more than an historical account of the development of Sufism; it also deals with the cultural manifestations of mysticism in Islam.” —Contemporary Sociology

“Combines scholarly criticism with sympathetic appreciation. . . . Progresses historically from the rise of Islam to the modern day, with ample commentary and phenomenological discussion.” —Journal of the American Academy of Religion

“A superb achievement. . . . The author has read all the mystics in the original, and all the important works by European scholars. Yet this solid scholarship (evidenced also by the very full bibliography) is completely hidden by a charming and eminently readable style, and by a sureness and lightness of touch which retain the interest of the reader and carry him effortless along.” —Journal of Semitic Studies

“Beautifully written. . . . The best and most comprehensive study on Islamic mysticism in the English language.”—Religious Studies Review

“One of the best general books on Sufism.” —Jewish Quarterly Review

“Students of Islam and of comparative religion — as well as those who respond to mysticism — are deeply in the author’s debt for giving us what will surely be the standard treatment of Sufism for a long time to come.”—America

“A major addition to the literature on [Sufism], surpassing in scope and detail all general surveys of Sufism that have hitherto been attempted in western languages. It is destined to become not only a standard introductory textbook, but also a primary source of reference for those who concern themselves, in more specialized manner, with this dimension of Islam. . . . Rich, learned, comprehensive and attractive…a waymark in the western scholarly study of Sufism.” —Journal of the American Oriental Society