Sufism

“Ernst gives us one of the most complete and accessible guides to Sufism available.“—Publishers Weekly “Ernst succeeds admirably in completing our understanding of Sufism. He covers its beginnings, its basic philosophies, and its place in Islam, keeping the discussion at a basic level so that anyone can read and understand his work. Recommended for all libraries.“—Library Journal “Displays a clarity and an intellectual rigor that elucidates the many mysteries of the Sufi traditions—taking the reader on a serene journey through the fragrantly spiritual gardens which permeate the Sufi tradition.“—Parabola “If you were to read only one book on Sufism, this would be the leading candidate.“—Richard Smoley and Jay Kinney, authors of Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions “Not only a welcome introduction to the key tenets of Sufism—it also offers an impartial perspective on the important question of how Sufism relates to Islam and the broad sociopolitical realities of our time.“—Kabir Helminski, author of The Knowing Heart: A Sufi Path of Transformation

Carl W. Ernst, Ph.D., is professor and chair of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A specialist in Islamic mysticism, he has spent research tours in Pakistan, India, and Turkey. He is also the author of Words and Ecstasy in Sufism and the translator of The Unveiling of Secrets- Diary of a Sufi Master by Ruzbihan Baqli.