The Quranic Sufism

by Mir Valiuddin

This book aims at outlining the fundamental tenets of Sufi mysticism, which derived its inspiration from the teachings of the Quran and developed as ‘a process of spiritual culture’ within the framework of Islam. The discussion opens with an introduction acquainting the readers with various attempts at a definition of Sufism and an appreciation of what it holds out for its adherents. Chapters are then devoted to delineations of Sufi concepts of God in immanence and transcendence; the worship of God and the descent of the absolute; inward and outward experience of divine presence; the concepts of good and evil, free will and determinism.

The author’s arguments are put forward convincingly. The exposition is lucid and scholarly. References supplementing the text are from original Arabic sources. Indexes cover names of persons and places, and technical terms. The Quranic Sufism is highly acclaimed. It fills the void felt by researchers and scholars as well as general readers.

About the Author:

Mir Valiuddin was a professor of philosophy at the Osmania University in Hyderabad, India, for many years, specializing in Sufism. His work has contributed to demonstrating the extent to which this heritage has shaped Muslim thought and civilization through the centuries. One of the foremost academic scholars of Sufism in the East, he is the author of Quranic Sufism, Contemplative Disciplines in Sufism, and Love of God: A Sufic Approach. His contributions can be found in the World Wisdom anthology, Pray Without Ceasing.