The Sufi tradition, commonly associated with the Whirling Dervishes and therofoundly beautiful poetry of the great mystic Rumi, is introduced here inhis new guide.;William C. Chittick, the leading scholar in this filed,ffers a compelling insight into the origins, context, and key themes of thisovement. After a general overview of the tradition, he draws upon the wordsf some of the greatest Sufi writers - among them Ibn Arabi, Baha Walad andumi himself - to give a fresh an revealing perspective on the teaching andeliefs of Sufism and its proponents. Areas covered include: the history androwth of Sufism, and its relationship to Islam; the mystical and spiritualroperties of music and dance; the beautiful and captivating qualities ofufi writing, with many examples; the beliefs, practices and philosophies ofufism as seen through the eyes of several major figures; Sufism in theodern world.;This work should be of interest to anyone interested in Sufism,rom those who know nothing about it to students, scholars and experts alike.

William C. Chittick is Professor of Comparative Studies at the State University od New York.