Contents
Preface
A note on sources
1 The Sufi path
2 The Sufi tradition
3 Name and reality
4 Self-help
5 The remembrance of God
6 The way of love
7 The never-ending dance
8 Images of beatitude
9 The fall of Adam
10 The paradox of the veil
Notes
Suggested reading
Index of names and terms
Index of hadiths and sayings
Index of Koranic verses
====
See all 2 images
Follow the Author
William C. Chittick
Follow
Sufism: A Beginner's Guide Paperback – November 1, 2007
by William C. Chittick (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 50 ratings 4.1 on Goodreads 250 ratings
See all formats and editions
Kindle
from $5.99
Read with Our Free App
Hardcover
from $86.43
1 New from $86.43
Paperback
$12.38
33 Used from $7.43
16 New from $8.00
What is mysticism? What does sufism mean today?
William C. Chittick, the leading scholar in the field, offers a compelling insight into the origins, context, and key themes of this fascinating movement. After a general overview of the tradition, he draws upon the words of some of the greatest Sufi writers - among them Ibn Arabi, Baha Walad and Rumi himself - to give a fresh and revealing perspective on the teachings and beliefs of Sufism and its proponents. Fresh and authoritative, this sympathetic book will be appreciated by anyone interested in Sufism, from complete beginners to students, scholars and experts alike.
====
224 pages
4.4 out of 5 stars 37
Paperback
$16.37
4.7 out of 5 stars 141
Paperback
53 offers from $1.66
This item:
Sufism: A Beginner's Guide
Sufism: A Beginner's Guide
William C. Chittick
4.3 out of 5 stars 50
Paperback
49 offers from $7.43
Next page
Customers who viewed this item also viewedPage 1 of 3Page 1 of 3
Previous page
Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam
Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam
Carl W. Ernst Ph.D.
4.5 out of 5 stars 65
Paperback
36 offers from $9.99
Essential Sufism
Essential Sufism
Robert Frager
4.5 out of 5 stars 214
Paperback
90 offers from $1.99
The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi (Spiritual Masters)
The Sufi Doctrine of Rumi (Spiritual Masters)
William C. Chittick
4.4 out of 5 stars 37
Paperback
$16.37
Get it as soon as Friday, Jun 16
$19.90 shipping
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi (Suny Series in Islamic Spirituality)
The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi (Suny Series in Islamic Spirituality)
William C. Chittick
4.7 out of 5 stars 69
Paperback
$26.25
Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 19
$13.94 shipping
Only 5 left in stock - order soon.
The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn Al-'Arabi's Cosmology (Suny Series in Islam)
The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn Al-'Arabi's Cosmology (Suny Series in Islam)
William C. Chittick
4.8 out of 5 stars 26
Paperback
$34.60
Get it as soon as Monday, Jun 19
$22.31 shipping
Only 4 left in stock - order soon.
Next page
From the Publisher
Beginners guides
Energy, Jazz, Jesus, Populism, Biodiversity, Oil
Sunday Times
Editorial Reviews
Review
"This short book stands out as one of the best books on the subject in English. A welcome contribution to the study and understanding of Sufism." ― Muslim World Book Review
"William Chittick is the most exciting writer on Sufism today, combining as he does a genuine passion for the subject with a scholarly objectivity that is truly impressive." ― Oliver Leaman - Professor of Philosophy and Zantker Professor of Judaic Studies, University of Kentu
About the Author
William C. Chittick is Professor of Comparative Studies at the State University of New York. A greatly respected scholar, he spent over twelve years in Iran before the revolution studying Sufism in theory and in practice. He has written widely on Sufism and Shi’ism.
Product details
Publisher : Oneworld Publications (November 1, 2007)
Language : English
Paperback : 224 pages
ISBN-10 : 1851685472
ISBN-13 : 978-1851685479
Item Weight : 9.6 ounces
Dimensions : 5.1 x 0.8 x 7.8 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #1,236,268 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#478 in Sufism (Books)
Customer Reviews: 4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 50 ratings
Videos
Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!
Upload your video
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Follow
William C. Chittick
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more
======
Top reviews from the United States
Muhammed Nabi
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book to understand Sufism
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
I recently finished reading this book. In this book, a very simple and easy-to-understand definition of Sufism is given, and some explanation of what Sufism is given and it told us about the famous Sufis.
The contribution of Sufis is the greatest in spreading and popularizing Islam in the world. Sufis have gained a place in the hearts of people worldwide. It is said that there was never a poet like Rumi in this world. Omar Khayyam, Ghazali, Hafiz, and many others are Sufi poets who have taken a place in the hearts of people worldwide. Even Hazrat Abdul Quader Jilani was a Sufi.
The book is hard to read for a first-time reader on this subject, you have to force yourself to read it. But after reading this book everything about Sufism will become easy.
Sufi Sadhana is such a spiritual pursuit that it is not possible for a Sufi to commit sin or harm people. Those who succeed in Sufi pursuits attain heavenly character in this world. Sufis are the best people in this world.
Helpful
Report
Lorraine
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep and Wonderful Introduction and Map of the Territory
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
Verified Purchase
I suppose “Beginner’s Guide” is apropos, but by the time you’ve finished reading this EXCELLENT introduction to Sufism you will be able to tell where everything else you may read within Sufism fits within its broader context. Whether you’re exploring the path from an academic or practitioner standpoint, Chittick’s “Sufism: A Beginner’s Guide” is like a caravanserai of old - a central point where you can mix it up with different travelers and hear about the parts of the territory that they have seen. Wish this had been the first thing I read when I started on the path, I’d have been a lot less confused! (But then again, confusion is PART of the path, so it’s all good.... it’s all God!) Thank you Dr. Chittick for your clarity and insight.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report
Behrooz
5.0 out of 5 stars A great introduction
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2001
Verified Purchase
Sufism, although specific to Islam, is in reality the unifying meaning beneath all of God's religions. Chittick's introduction is a great survey of the Sufi way of looking at reality especially since he takes the perspective of the great masters and mostly lets them tell us what Sufism is all about. Translations of Rumi and Ibn 'Arabi and some lesser know masters such as Sam'ani are included. I found reading these translations very enjoyable. I also found the bibliography very helpful since it lists some excellent sources for further study of Sufism. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested to learn about Sufism's reality, as it was known traditionally rather than the modern misconceptions of it.
49 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report
cj
4.0 out of 5 stars Clear explanations
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
I wanted to learn about the Sufi beliefs. This looked like a good basic book on the subject - and so far it is proving to be just that. Clear and concise, it is easy to understand and is factual, which is exactly what I wanted. I haven't finished it yet, but I must say the book arrived quickly and was in perfect condition. Thanks!
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report
Pamela Warren Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars Conditions for Peak Experience
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2017
Verified Purchase
Chittick's experiential understanding of mysticism and consciousness (along with decades of research) is, it seems to me, the foundation of this clear and heart-centered little volume. Unlike another reviewer who was agitated by stumbling over the writing, I was pleased to be slowed down so I could integrate the teachings and have my own peak experiences. Surprisingly, one of the most important books that I read last year.
8 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report
Aurora
2.0 out of 5 stars A hard read....
Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2010
Verified Purchase
I suppose this book is a good beginner's guide if you can follow the reading. I found it to be a very taxing read. I found myself reading sentences several times and slowing down tremendously to try to understand what exactly was meant by each sentence. The sentence structure, the run on sentences, and the way the book is organized, makes it hard for someone like myself to follow the actual point of it all. The book pulls you in too many directions all at once, which often leads to the reader finding themselves lost in the sauce. The price is great, but that might be due to the fact that no one wants a book they can't understand:)
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report
Daniel
4.0 out of 5 stars Written subjectively
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2013
Verified Purchase
I have bought this book after Vision of Islam by the same author. While Vision of Islam analyzes Islam, this book just presents Sufism from the sufi perspective, which is subjective. I expect a different approach from a university professor.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
Report
Sudweeks
4.0 out of 5 stars It is a good look at Sufism
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2015
Verified Purchase
I had this book as reading assignment for a college course. It is a good look at Sufism.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
Report
See all reviews
Top reviews from other countries
Misspuddleduck
5.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2018
Verified Purchase
Nice easy read
One person found this helpful
Report
Frank Hooper
4.0 out of 5 stars Book received in excellent condition. Will not hesitate to order from Thrift books again.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2020
Verified Purchase
Although I believe Covid 19 created problems, you could have kept me better informed.
Report
Rafif
5.0 out of 5 stars book
Reviewed in Canada on April 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
good condition
Report
Zubair Farooq
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Sufism
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
Being born in a muslim country, i have heard good and bad things about Sufism from so many people. Some thought of them as true muslims, and some think they were responsible for fall of muslim civilization, focusing on spiritual side vs practical matters of life. Now - thanks to this books- i realize most people had not idea what they are talking about.
Chittick had excellent command of the topic, and i really like his writing style.
I will highly recommend this book.
One person found this helpful
Report
Abdul Shukoor
5.0 out of 5 stars real meaning of sufism explained well
Reviewed in India on May 31, 2023
Verified Purchase
As a devoted follower of the Sufi tradition, I am deeply moved by this extraordinary book. It stands as a true masterpiece, a testament to the profound understanding the author possesses regarding the essence of Sufism. Through eloquent prose and insightful explanations, the author unveils the heart and soul of Sufism in a remarkably profound manner. This work is an essential read for anyone seeking genuine insight into the true meaning of Sufism. Its words possess a divine beauty that resonates with the depths of the soul, offering wisdom, guidance, and a transformative journey for those who embrace its teachings.
Report
