Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: Mystical Dimensions of Islam by Annemarie Schimmel ISBN: 0807812714 Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Pr Pub. Date: July, 1985 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $21.50 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.17
Rating: 5
Summary: Contours of the Breadth and Depth of Islamic Spirituality
Comment: Where do I begin? This book, although old (and, some would argue - perhaps fairly - a bit dated), is an incredible scholarly work on how various mystics within Islam have understood Islam's central claim: "There is no God but God, and Muhammad is His Prophet". According to Schimmel, all of Islamic mysticism can be summed up as trying to understand this core doctrine.
Unlike some scholars today who pay more attention to differences than continuity, Schimmel's book outlines the many, many currents of Islamic thought without coming to conclusions such as "Well, it is really impossible to say what is or is not Islamic mysticism". Instead, she looks at the historical development of mystical Islamic thought, noting both consistencies and deviations, orthodoxy and heterodoxy, the noble and the shameful. The ability to walk the fine line between excessive praise and excessive criticism of a given religious tradition - in this case Islam - is walked with great care and balance by Schimmel. She recognizes that the basic goal of the mystics of Islam was to be true witnesses to Islam's central claim but that this was not always achieved.
One of the most fascinating streams of mystical Islamic thought is the understanding of the soul. This topic is discussed many times as Schimmel notes the views of different mystics; for those looking for a way out of the dead end that much of secular psychotherapy has given us, the understanding of people as containing both higher and lower natures - as well as a fundamental need for God - is something that is worth chewing on. That this view is the same as that held by classical Christianity is worth noting (and Schimmel regularly notes similarities to other religious traditions throughout her work).
This book is a thick read - in fact, it is highly detailed and can become a bit confusing at points, especially when Schimmel begins to discuss yet another person by the same name; it will take time to get through. Nonetheless, it is a highly rewarding read and, for those that seek to understand the religion of Islam better, this book will help to paint *some* of that picture in a more detailed manner.
Rating: 5
Summary: BATINIS - THIS BOOK HAS SECRETS!
Comment: Attention all batinis - this book is a must-read!
Rating: 5
Summary: The Awe of the Sufi Path
Comment: Annemarie Schimmel is probably the foremost scholar on the Sufi poet Jelalluddin Rumi, whose poetry is suffused with love and awe of the Divine. In much of her book Prof. Schimmel projects the same love, love of Islam and its people, most especially its mystics, the Sufis. It is also extremely informative about the history of Sufism and the different branches of its mystical path. If you are interested in the history of Sufism, and want to understand mystical Islam, this is the book for you. If you are looking for a quick study, or a popular way to practice Sufism, this is not for you. ... Mystical Islam and orthodox Islam (as with most religions) are very different in practice and outlook, although there are conservative Sufis and out-there Sufis, as Prof. Schimmel aptly demonstrates. I loved this book and want to read more of her work.
 |
Title: Rumi's World: The Life and Work of the Great Sufi Poet by Annemarie Schimmel ISBN: 0877736111 Publisher: Shambhala Publications Pub. Date: 22 May, 2001 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
 |
Title: The Shambhala Guide to Sufism by Carl W. Ernst ISBN: 1570621802 Publisher: Shambhala Publications Pub. Date: October, 1997 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
 |
Title: Deciphering the Signs of God: A Phenomenological Approach to Islam by Annemarie Schimmel ISBN: 0791419827 Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr Pub. Date: September, 1994 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
 |
Title: As Through A Veil by Annemarie Schimmel ISBN: 1851682740 Publisher: Oneworld Publications Ltd Pub. Date: December, 2001 List Price(USD): $23.95 |
 |
Title: The Sufi Path of Knowledge by William C. Chittick ISBN: 0887068855 Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr Pub. Date: July, 1989 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
