Alexander Knysh è uno studioso il cui lavoro si addentra nella ricca trama della letteratura araba e della storia del Medio Oriente, con un focus particolare sulla teologia e la mistica islamica. La sua ricerca esamina meticolosamente i dibattiti in corso attorno a figure chiave della mistica islamica e all'evoluzione storica dei movimenti sufi, illuminando il loro profondo impatto sul pensiero islamico. Gli scritti di Knysh offrono introduzioni accessibili alla storia del sufismo, esplorando argomenti diversi dal culto dei santi e dai luoghi di pellegrinaggio alla rappresentazione dell'Islam nel discorso russo. La sua competenza si estende anche agli studi coranici e alla loro influenza sulla letteratura e cultura islamica, dimostrando una profonda comprensione delle correnti intellettuali che plasmano il mondo musulmano.
The book offers a detailed exploration of Islam's history, tracing its development from its origins in Arabia to contemporary times. It is enhanced by a wealth of illustrations, including quotations from Muslim scriptures, historical accounts, and artistic representations, alongside theological and legal discussions. This rich array of resources aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the religion's evolution and cultural impact.
A pathbreaking history of Sufism, from the earliest centuries of Islam to the present After centuries as the most important ascetic-mystical strand of Islam, Sufism saw a sharp decline in the twentieth century, only to experience a stunning revival in recent decades. In this comprehensive new history of Sufism from the earliest centuries of Islam to today, Alexander Knysh, a leading expert on the subject, reveals the tradition in all its richness. Knysh explores how Sufism has been viewed by both insiders and outsiders since its inception. He examines the key aspects of Sufism, from definitions and discourses to leadership, institutions, and practices. He devotes special attention to Sufi approaches to the Qur’an, drawing parallels with similar uses of scripture in Judaism and Christianity. He traces how Sufism grew from a set of simple moral-ethical precepts into a sophisticated tradition with professional Sufi masters (shaykhs) who became powerful players in Muslim public life but whose authority was challenged by those advocating the equality of all Muslims before God. Knysh also examines the roots of the ongoing conflict between the Sufis and their fundamentalist critics, the Salafis—a major fact of Muslim life today. Based on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, Sufism is an indispensable account of a vital aspect of Islam.
