A pathbreaking history of Sufism, from the earliest centuries of Islam to the present After centuries as the most important ascetic-mystical strand of Islam, Sufism saw a sharp decline in the twentieth century, only to experience a stunning revival in recent decades. In this comprehensive new history of Sufism from the earliest centuries of Islam to today, Alexander Knysh, a leading expert on the subject, reveals the tradition in all its richness. Knysh explores how Sufism has been viewed by both insiders and outsiders since its inception. He examines the key aspects of Sufism, from definitions and discourses to leadership, institutions, and practices. He devotes special attention to Sufi approaches to the Qur'an, drawing parallels with similar uses of scripture in Judaism and Christianity. He traces how Sufism grew from a set of simple moral-ethical precepts into a sophisticated tradition with professional Sufi masters (shaykhs) who became powerful players in Muslim public life but whose authority was challenged by those advocating the equality of all Muslims before God. Knysh also examines the roots of the ongoing conflict between the Sufis and their fundamentalist critics, the Salafis--a major fact of Muslim life today. Based on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, Sufism is an indispensable account of a vital aspect of Islam.

About the Author
Alexander Knysh is professor of Islamic studies at the University of Michigan. His many books include Islamic Mysticism: A Short History and Islam in Historical Perspective.

Reviews
"Winner of the 2019 I.R. Iran World Award for Book of the Year, Islamic Republic of Iran"
"This groundbreaking monograph is critical not only for understanding the complex phenomenon that is Sufism, but also for gaining insight into the significant methodological issues of modern historiography."---Kamal Gasimov, Voices on Central Asia
"Anyone looking for an introduction to the complexities of Sufism should turn to this book by Alexander Knys." * History Today *
"By challenging existing theoretical constructs, the author allows one to rethink metadiscourses on Sufism."---Ayesha Khan, Muslim World Book Review
"With a contemporary look at the different perspectives and dimensions of Sufism, the book offers new ideas experiences and, in this respect, is a valuable resource that contributes to promoting an understanding of Sufism's various dimensions and angles of complexity."---ShahRokh Raei, Die Welt des Islams
"Remarkably well-written and comprehensive overview . . . [Sufism] give[s] an accessible, accurately detailed account of Sufism as a system of thought and action. . . . A helpful, wide-ranging historical introduction for students of Islamic spirituality and the many related fields of Islamic thought and practice."---Andi Herawati, Reading Religion
"Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism is a welcome addition to a collection of relatively recent overviews of Sufism...The book is a masterful display of Knysh's extensive study of Sufi history and sources. It will be of immediate use to instructors within Islamic and religious studies, as well as to specialists in need of a summary of the state of Sufi studies and its major points of contention."---Cyrus Ali Zargar, Journal of the American Oriental Society



Book Information
ISBN 9780691139098
Author Alexander Knysh
Format Hardback
Page Count 408
Imprint Princeton University Press
Publisher Princeton University Press
Weight(grams) 709g