The World of Sufism

Islam is a progressive, logical and practical faith, with a perfect code of conduct, to be followed by all believers. But, Islam has many a dimension and one dimension is Sufism, which may be termed as the mystical aspect of the religion. Sufism is the renunciation of worldly connections and all comforts. It is in fact, an isolation from all evils and sins. Islamic Sufism has a long history. It originated in the early years of Islam, when apart from various religious schools, the religious leaders and dervishes established their separate orders and many a saints began preaching Islam in their own style. They spread the message of love and peace. The Muslim generals conquered new lands on one side and on the other side the armless sufi-saints travelled long distances from Arabia, Iran and Central Asia to remote corners of the known world — from (modern day) Afghanistan, through India to far eastern countries. There are several Sufi orders, with further branches and sub-branches, which have all been discussed at length in this comprehensive and compact study. This book is an asset for all scholars, researchers and students of Islamic Studies.

Muhammad Isar Ahmad (b. 1956) a scholar of Islam and its related disciplines, in his own right, he is a post-graduate from Aligarh Muslim University, with a degree from Rohelkhand University. He is a devoted researcher and academic. He has taken up serious study and writing as a permanent affair. He has guided many a researcher and junior scholar, in an academic manner, spanning over several decades. He has been on foreign tours, especially, Middle East, as a keen observer of Islamic movements, the world over. He is regarded as a think-tank, a liberal-minded, far-sighted and quick-witted personality in the academic circles, even in outside world. After completing his studies, he established a research institute, which guides students, researchers and scholars in accomplishing various projects, particularly on Islamic Studies. He is based in Badaun, (U.P.), which has been a great seat of Islamic learning, over the centuries. Now, he has devoted himself, wholeheartedly to the search of knowledge, tirelessly and enthusiastically. He has attended a number of seminars, symposia, academic get-togethers and has won big laurels, in and outside India on many occasions. He has some half a dozen papers to his credit. This is his first research-based work on Islam. Recently, he has turned to Islamic Philosophy and unearthed many hidden facts. He is currently busy, with his project: Practical Aspects of Islamic Education.