Perspective on Early Islamic Mysticism: The World of Al-Hak'm Al-Tirmidh and His Contemporaries Book

A classic exposition of the Sufi doctrine, ethics, metaphysics and history. It is by going within the Garden of Sufism that one can come to appreciate and respect Islamic practices as well as the Koran. As a recent convert to Islam and Sufism, Nasrs' well written book gave me the assurance that the fascination and love for Sufism which I first had two year ago while I was reading, "Essential Sufism", had root not just in my mind, but in my soul and heart.

Having said that, this book is really a spring-board for further reading and research for this book only touches the surface of what Sufism has to offer. While being a introduction to Sufism, it is filled with Nasr's tendencies towards being affiliated with the perennial philosophy: he is constantly making comparisons between different Sufi and Islamic concepts and symbols, with references to all the worlds spiritual traditions such as Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and others. Such makes this book an equally valuable source for seeing the transcendental unity of the worlds religions.

Having listened to many lectures and read many of his books, it's obvious to see Nasr's work is dedicated towards not just the Sophia Perennis, but towards making more manifest the value, importance and beauty of Islam in a world where as he puts it, "extremes prevail". He is one of the few scholars and metaphysicians whose clear Intellect has spread the salvic necessity of tradition and Gnosis.

No matter what level of Reality we happen to dwell in, whether we really understand Rumi's 'mysterious' poems or not and regardless of our religious affiliations-or lack thereof- this book presents a spiritual worldview whose metaphysical thrustings, ethical foundations and aesthetic traditions may very well change our lives. It has changed mine: would it for you?