Sufism: Heart Of Islam

by Sadia Dehlvi

This engaging and well-researched narrative provides an insider's understanding of Islam in all its aspects. It elaborates on how Sufism is the preserved spiritual path that forms the heart of Islam. Drawing from an in-depth study of Muslim texts and traditions, the author articulates that Sufism is not an innovation, but the continuity of a thought process that links Muslims to their religious predecessors all the way to Prophet Muhammad. The book covers the remarkable lives of the early Sufis, their literature, and philosophies that stress on the purification of the heart. It highlights the major Sufi orders, their popularity in the subcontinent and how the teachings of Sufi Masters impacted the devotional aspect of Muslims forever. This comprehensive account spans from early Islam to the modern day concerns of militant ideologies, arguing how they pose the biggest threat  to the classical understanding of the faith. It offers an insightful look at  the complex relationship of Sufism with both Muslim and non-Muslim  societies.

455 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Abhijeet Dangat · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sufism consists of entering every exalted quality and leaving behind every despicable quality.”

Thanks to my friend Khadija, I’ve been reading this scholarly book about the divine and looking inward for the past five months slowly and enjoyed it so much.

Sufis whose stories I found fascinating in this book other than the obvious Rumi and Saint Kabir -
1. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (his grave is the famous Ajmer dargah)

2. Nizamuddin Auliya (a great man of 14th century Delhi; future fans include everyone from Akbar to Ghalib)

3. Amir Khusrau (personal favourite - father of qawwali, developer of ghazal and innovator of Sitar 🎸)

Fav Khusrau lines - खुसरो दरिया प्रेम का सो उल्टी वाकी धार! जो उबरा सो डूब गया; जो डूबा वो पार!
“Oh Khusrau, the river of love, Runs in strange directions. One who jumps into it drowns, And one who drowns gets across.”

4. Waris Shah (author of the legendary folk love story of Hir and Ranjha ♥️♥️)

5. Jahanara Begum - daughter of Shah Jahan who originally laid out Chandani Chowk of Delhi, to be played by Kareena Kapoor in Takht

6. Dara Shikoh - son of Shah Jahan, was supposed to rule instead of Aurangzeb, to be played by Ranveer Singh in Takht

Bonuses -
1. Foreword by Khushwant Singh.
2. Lovely illustrations.
3. Beautiful quotes, verses and poems.

[Jessica Harn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most beautiful books I've read on not only Sufism, but Islam itself. Written with tangible love and devotion that the reader can feel on every page

[Ejaz Husseini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with anecdotal miracles from different Sufis and poems and sayings, Dehlvi’s book is a celebration of Sufism – more so than being an explanation of it. This book isn’t explanatory of what Sufism is, since to be a Sufi you have to act and live like one, but rather an admiration and essence of this tradition that is Islam’s heart.


Full review:
https://ejaz159.blogspot.com/2021/05/...

[Firdous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a beautiful book. Sadia Ji’s writing is good but at some point you feel like reading a research paper instead because of the numerous citations.

[Preeti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive exposition on an aspect of Islam that has and continues to contribute to a better understanding of humanity. This book is a wonderful guide, written with reverence and passion, and enriched my understanding of Sufism. The calligraphy included in this text is absolutely mesmerizing- running my fingers over them was special. I am glad I read this book.