In the Garden of Myrtles: Studies in Early Islamic Mysticism

by Tor Andrae, Birgitta Sharpe (Translator)

Here are the early Sufis themselves. Here are their ascetic practices; their attitudes toward women and marriage, toward food and drink, and toward music and poetry; and here is their ecstatic experience. This is a study in holiness and the love of God, but it is even more a study of men and women overcome by that holiness and love, and locked in the paradox of loving a God who makes vast demands on them. The early Sufis were not seeking consolation. Who they were and what they were after, the reader will discover here.

Topics discussed include the historical background of early Muslim mysticism and the relations between Muslim and Christian ascetics. Andrae suggests parallels drawn from his vast reading in the literature of religious experience, both East and West.

Genres: Islam

157 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1987

About the author

Tor Julius Efraim Andræ was a Swedish orientalist , clergyman, professor and scholar of comparative religion who served as Bishop of the Diocese of Linköping.

Reviews

[Matt Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction