Sufism is Islam's principal mystical tradition. This text provides an introduction that encompasses the history and richness of the Sufi spiritual tradition and introduces some of the great figures of Sufism.

Mystical Islam: An Introduction to Sufism

Julian Baldick

History

I. B. Tauris & Company

What common features can be found in the native religions of the vast Eurasian landmass? Julian Baldick, in this comparative study of the indigenous pre-Christian and pre-Muslim religions of Central Asia, argues that there was a common inheritance to be found among the beliefs of the various peoples who have lived in Central Asia or have migrated from there; Scythians, Huns, Turks, Mongols, Manchus, Finns and Hungarians.  Shamans - holy men healers among the pagan faiths - relied heavily on animal sacrifices to create spiritual purity and to nourish the soul. Animals and spirituality were thus locked in a mutually dependent embrace. In this survey of the ancient customs and religions of the larger inner Eurasian landmass, Baldick concludes that in pagan times there were remarkable common features in the forms of worship and spiritual expression among the different peoples of Central Asia, all largely based on the role of animals in their lives. These have survived not only in the myths and legends of the region but have also found their way into the mythologies of the West. This ground-breaking study will be of great importance to historians as well as cultural and social anthropologists.

Animal and Shaman

World

Sufism is Islam's main mystical tradition. There are Sufi orders in almost all Muslim countries of the world, but not all Sufi's accept the same beliefs and practices. In this book, Julian Baldick examines the historical development of Sufi doctrine and practices over the fourteen centuries of Islam. All chapters have long bibliographical notes which survey suitable literature in European languages; ideal text for anyone with an interest in mysticism and its historical development; NYU Press, Trade Paperback, 208pp with index.

Mystical Islam:

Religion & Spirituality

Islam

New York University Press

It is argued that just as there is a common Afroasiatic language family, so too there is a common Afroasiatic family of religions. There is an inner logic to be found in myths, folk-tales, rituals, customs and beliefs as far apart as Yemen and Nigeria which go back to an ancient past shared by the Bible and the pharaohs.Using the method of comparative mythology, the author sifts through the work of scholars - including anthropologists, religious historians, archaeologists and classical Greek writers and contemporary comments on them by professional Egyptologists - to build his picture of the Afroasiatic heritage, and how much of it is still with us in modern Western thought.

Black God: Afroasiatic Roots of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim Religions

Politics & Social Sciences

Anthropology

I.B.Tauris & Co Ltd

Animal and Shaman: Ancient Religions of Central Asia

I. B. Tauris Publications

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Books by Julian Baldick