Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure

Author: Helminski Camille Adams

Brand: Shambhala

Color: Silver

Edition: 1

Features:

• Used Book in Good Condition

Number Of Pages: 336

Details: Product Description

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.

From Publishers Weekly

Helminski was the first woman to publish an English translation of the Qur’an and has built a career out of reprinting classic Sufi materials. This collection of primary sources casts a spotlight on the roles women have played in Sufi history: because Sufism sheds hierarchical and social distinctions in favor of a total consummation with the Beloved (Allah), women have always held an important position, says Helminski. The collection opens with early writings about Sufi women, most of which were written by men, and some of which have only recently been made available in English. Here we learn of Rabi’a al-‘Adawiyya, an eighth-century saint about whom many legends were composed, and the ninth-century healer Lady Nafisa, who was renowned for her Qur’anic knowledge and whose tomb is still a sacred destination for spiritual pilgrims of many religious traditions. Helminski goes on to offer writings by and about Sufi women up to the present day, including poetry (Rumi has some competition!), folklore, prayers, songs and journal entries. Helminski does a fine job of introducing each subject, placing each shaykha (female teacher) in her historical context and explaining why she should be remembered. Some of the contemporary women are particularly interesting, such as Russian-born Sufi author Irina Tweedie, who describes her gradual path toward Sufism. This collection of women’s voices is a rich and varied resource for understanding women of “The Way.”
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“A rich and varied resource for understanding women of ‘The Way.’”
—Publishers Weekly

“The intensity and the eclectic range of the material is impressive . . . Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure reveals the depth and breadth of spiritual riches within this mystical tradition.”
—Spirituality & Health

“An admirable job of bringing history to life . . . a book that can be read with rapture, browsed, used for scholarly reference, or as an inspiring source to deepen our knowledge of Sufism by the examples and teachings of these beautiful and wise Sufi women.”
—Sufism

“A great resource for understanding women’s ongoing search for the Divine.”
—Ascent

“Women of Sufism is a valuable addition to Sufi literature and women’s spiritual studies. Camille Helminski awakens us to the important contribution of women to this mystical tradition.”
—Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, Ph.D., author of Sufism: The Transformation of the Heart

From the Inside Flap

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 t

Release Date: 25-02-2003

Package Dimensions: 21x226x440