A succinct, yet comprehensive overview of Sufism's fundamental doctrines and spiritual practices

Followed by many millions of Muslims throughout the world, Sufism is the heart of Islamic spirituality. However, not only is there still in the West a widespread ignorance of Islam and Sufism, there is also, thanks to the "Islamic" terrorists, a widespread hostility. This book offers a succinct, yet comprehensive overview of Sufism's fundamental doctrines and spiritual practices. Stoddart highlights Sufism's intricate symbolism and explains the central role of the invocation of the Name of God in Sufi spiritual practice. An appendix includes central Koranic, Prophetic, and traditional Sufi sayings.