The Foundations of Sufism - Studies on Sufism by Ghulam Shams-Ur-Rehman Hardcover

About the Book

This fresh translation and in-depth analysis of Ahmad Zarruq's The Foundations of Sufism draws upon recently-discovered manuscripts, presenting the mediaeval scholar's innovative thesis that theology, Islamic law and the spiritual path are not at odds with each other, but mutually complementary.

Book Synopsis

Ahmad Zarruq, a 15th-century North African Sufi, turned his considerable intellect towards integrating theology, Islamic law and the spiritual path. His model of a jurisprudentially-grounded Sufism is as relevant today as when he presented it to a mediaeval audience, using an aphoristic style tailored to his educated readership. The current growth of puritanical movements in the Islamic world makes Zarruq's The Foundations of Sufism a must-read for scholars, educators and those seeking to reconcile various interpretations of the faith. The author of this fresh translation, an Arabic and Classical Sufism scholar, consulted newly-discovered manuscripts in preparing his critical edition of this seminal work.

About the Author

Ghulam Shams-ur-Rehman, Ph.D. (2010), University of Exeter, is Professor of Interfaith Studies at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad. His research focuses on Sufism, Quranic exegesis, and socio-religious patterns in modern Afghanistan. He has published articles in IPRI Journal and Islamic Studies.