Sufism formed one of the cultures of resistance which has existed in the social fabric of Persia since antiquity. Such resistance continues to manifest itself today with many looking to Sufism as a model of cooperation between East and West, between traditional and modern. 'Sufism in the Secret History of Persia' explores the place of Sufi mysticism in Iran's intellectual and spiritual consciousness through traditional and contemporary Sufi thinkers and writers. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia examines the current of spirituality which extends from the old Iranian worship of Mithra to modern Islam. This current always contains elements of gnosis and inner knowing, but has often provided impetus for socio-political resistance. The study describes how these persisting pre-Islamic cultural and socio-religious elements have secretly challenged Muslim orthodoxies and continue to shape the nature and orientation of contemporary Sufism.

About the Author
Milad Milani is Lecturer at the University of Sydney and the University of Western Sydney, Australia. He is Adjunct Fellow with the Religion and Society Research Centre, University of Western Sydney.

Reviews

Overall, this book makes an important contribution to the academic literature on the aspect of Sufism in Persian history. It provides much food for thought, offers new thinking on old issues in research, sometimes philosophical in nature, and challenges previous academic views. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia is indispensable for anyone who takes an interest in this field and immensely useful for anyone who wishes better to understand the mysticism of Persia.

Haggai Mazuz, Annemarie Schimmel Kolleg, Bonn

Book Information
ISBN 9781844656776
Author Milad Milani
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Acumen Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 566g