Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure

by Camille Hamilton Adams Helminski

This collection of Sufi poetry and songs is “an inspiring source to deepen our knowledge of Sufism by the examples and teachings of . . . beautiful and wise Sufi women” ( Sufism )
 
The luminous presence of women who follow the Sufi Way—the mystical path of Islam—is brought to life here through their sacred songs and poetry, their dreams and visions, and stories of their efforts as they witness the Truth in many realms. These writings reflect the honor and respect for the feminine in the Sufi worldview, and they are shared in the spirit of inspiration and hope for the flourishing contributions of women to the spiritual development of humanity.

Spanning the centuries, from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present day, the selections are by or about an array of Sufi traditions in different parts of the world, from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Europe and America—from beloved members of the Prophet’s family to the mystic Rabi’a al-Adawiyya to the modern scholar Annemarie Schimmel. Biographical anecdotes and personal memoirs provide a glimpse into the experience of great saints and contemporary practitioners alike, while providing an introduction to the principles and practices of Sufism.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Spirituality, History, Nonfiction, Poetry, Gender

336 pages, Paperback

First published February 25, 2003

Reviews

[S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be fair, this was almost a beautiful reminder.
My humble opinion is much more biased towards grabbing original texts in Arabic and spending my days repeating noteworthy paragraphs.
This might be a beautiful way to get to know Sufism and women for non-Arabic speakers. It introduces the reader to the many women that were found on the path to God. Needless to say that the author did an amazing job by gathering everything and ordering women's biographies chronologically ...
In the first chapters there was a highlight related to Islam's message being sent to both men and women equally but as I you go deeper and learn more -especially about contemporary to late sufi women- there was a clear tendency towards approving that the sufi way is a feminine way of surrender (The Tao of Islam)....

All in all, nice reminder, yet would in no way replace Rabiaa Adawiya lines in Arabic, or Qasidahs ...
But I would still recommend it !

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was pretty much just a collection of acid trips. Or at least it was past the first quarter of it.

The book is supposed to be a collection of biographies/ stories about "Women of Sufism" - and while a handful of the bios were actually interesting (female Sufi scholars from history)... I just couldn't handle 98% of the content.

How does anyone expect anyone else to believe stories of people having straight up fever dreams, hallucinations, and manic delusions of grandeur?

I'm supposed to believe that these "Sufi saints and masters" were conversing with the Prophets and receiving revelation and being transported to the Otherworld and witnessing the Day of Judgment?

The second half of this book was particularly annoying, featuring a bunch of white women who went traipsing around the world (usually Turkey or India), hanging out at yogi ashrams, having zero connection to Islam itself, and practically worshipping their saints while presumably doing hard drugs (what else could possibly explain the bizarre scribblings and inane attempts at spiritual poetry?).

Some of the stories seemed to be great premises for, like... a sci-fi movie (shout-out to the Egyptian Sufi Saint chick who could project holograms of herself, apparently). But in terms of this book being a valuable source of actual biographical knowledge or insight into female scholarship or even worshippers? Not unless you want to read about people kissing their (male) saintly masters' feet or ramblings about how being an oppressed woman is a spiritual advantage.

I feel like this needs to categorized as fiction, not history or biography.

[Hafsa Lodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In her prayers, she never limited herself to the five customary prayers a day, but everyone around her knew that as long as she breathed, she was continually in prayer” (19th-century Sufi Hatice Cenan Sultan)

“Inspiring” is a completely underrated word to describe the effect this book had, and continues to have on me. Compiled by Camille Adams Helminski, California-based Sufi author and academic who follows the teachings of Rumi, Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure is literally a treasure trove of untold stories of profound and pious females who have followed the mystical path of Islam and touched countless peoples’ lives. The book opens with stories of the “first Sufi women”: Khadijah, Fatima and A’isha, from the Prophet’s family, and I was moved to tears reading this section. It then tells the stories of over 45 other women throughout history, while detailing the principles of Sufism and describing how different Sufi orders and groups during different times and in different regions have practiced the faith.

This is thus far my favourite book on women and Sufism, and I know that I’ll be re-reading and referencing it whenever I’m in need of some uplifting and enlightening female wisdom on unconditional and overwhelming faith.

[Yelda Basar Moers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly looked forward to reading this book as I know virtually nothing about the notable Sufi women of the past. I think the author here tried to do too much too fast and this compendium is both overwhelming and too confusing. The writing is very difficult for a lay reader, as it is not easy on the eyes, and the book as a whole needs a very good editor to break the language down and make it easier to process and digest. Also there is no continuum from chapter to chapter, it is too much a hodgepodge of items, too many different facets of Sufism and its women. The topic is fascinating, and the Sufi women of the past deserve attention and notice, but unfortunately this book did not do this topic justice. I would recommend that the author and their publisher revisit it, re-edit it, and bring it out again for a general readership. I still give it three stars because there is a voluminous amount of information here and could serve a researcher well and I commend the author for trying to do this topic justice.

Alternatively for those interested in Sufism, this author's husband wrote a beautiful, brilliant book, The Knowing Heart, about Sufism, and I highly recommend this book to those interested in learning more about Sufism. Both the author herself and her husband founded an organization that tries to teach and bring Sufism, especially Rumi's sect of Sufism, to Americans. It is amazing to see that there is a growing Sufi movement and interest in the U.S. Sufism is what bridges the East to the West, it is as Coleman Barks, the famous Rumi translator and poet, says, the Bridge to the Soul.

[Hasanah HM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply captivating. I'm just humbled to know that there were/are quite a number of special, spiritual women who has such an immense love for Allah SWT. Definitely a wonderful compilation of stories and articles worth reading that can help strengthen one's relationship with Allah SWT as well as to unlock the key to such a wonderful hidden treasure...in ourselves.

[Pranada Comtois · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasure to learn about so many women mystics in Sufism! Some of these saints are quite incredible. These lives are a beautiful example of full love of God. It was an inspiration to read. The book is well-researched.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of all time.

[Lubna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for spiritual inspiration, this is a very helpful book. I felt very humbled in reading about the awesome spiritual lives of such a varied number of Muslim women - the book contains biographies, stories, and poetry & covers Sufi women from the Indian subcontinent to the Western world. Its not a book to read in 1 sitting but is probably best read slowly, with contemplation, and interspersed with other reading.

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helminski introduces many female Sufis, mostly giving brief descriptions and then letting them speak at length. The collection is a strong tribute to the wisdom, compassion, beauty and power of Sufi women through the ages, and in nations from Indonesia, to Nigeria, or the USA. These women speak in many ways, sometimes in poetic songs, sometimes in riddles, sometimes with perceptive scholarly insight, and sometimes with a common-sense compassion of almost overwhelming power.

[Fusun Dulger charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem from Camille Helminski. So wonderful to read that so many women have had amazing Spiritual Journeys. One always hears about “Men sheikh, gurus, teachers”. It is so encouraging, refreshing and inspiring that there are so many Women Teachers.
So helpful on my personal Journey.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great information about women and their role in mysticiam and early Islamic faith communities. It was a bit dry in parts as it is written in a very academic manner.

[Larissa Olinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This booklist a treasure

I earned so much with this book. It really touches every single dimension of the subject. A true fountain of knowledge.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can you spell D-R-Y and B-O-R-I-N-G? Color me HUGELY disappointed.

[Ebrima Saye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opener

[Gally · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthology of works by or regarding sufi women authors, from stories, essays, interviews, poetry, and music, spanning continents and millenea.
A bit daunting if read as an introductory resource, but the footnotes and explanations are wonderful. I must have added a few dozens of books to my reading list thanks to those referenced or sampled here.
Generally an outstanding work. Some pieces I skimmed over, others I read twice or thrice.

[Jaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars because of the subject matter.

But wow, the way Helminski organized each chapter irked me. I needed more structure. As I read the book, I found myself thinking: "CAH has to know that this is confusing" or "CAH has to know that this isn't working."

GAH!

If this were any other book, I probably would've stopped reading it on account of how annoying the organization of the book is/presentation of material. I wanted to read the book.

I should check out the publisher.

I've read some horridly written books about Islam. Helminski, by far, doesn't fall into the category of horrid, but gosh. Kind of mediocre writing.

[Amelie]

Interesting information and quotations from Sufi women. Some prior knowledge of Sufism might be useful, but this book is fairly accesible to general readers, and feels comprehensive, though not exhaustive.

[Ayesha Sabir]

i think this book is related to my course .

[The Bookbutterfly's Quotage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the definition of "one of a kind"; a true gem!!✨🌙