DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Sufi Ritual

The Parallel Universe

Ian Richard Netton author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Sufi Ritual cover

This study reveals the world of Sufi ritual with particular reference to two major Sufi orders. It examines the ritual and practices of these orders and surveys their organisation and hierarchy, initiation ceremonies, and aspects of their liturgy such as dhikr (litany) and sama (mystical concert). Comparisons are made with the five pillars of Islam (arkan), and the Sufi rituals, together with the arkan, are examined from the perspective of theology, phenomenology, anthropology and semiotics. The work concludes with an examination of the Sufi in the context of alienation. This is a major work which highlights the importance of Sufi ritual and locates it within the broader domain of the Islamic world.

'A book of great value. In these chapters Netton gives us the full and generous bounty of his extensive knowledge of the field of comparative religion, and they should be required reading for any basic course on the subject. He writes well and seamlessly communicates his enthusiasm for the subject, providing unique information which we are more than ready to assimilate. His essay on phenomenology provides one of the most concise and cogent exposes on the subject one can find anywhere. Providing a superb exposition on the role of music in the practice of the order, bulwarked by both theoretical and anecdotal references. Here is the true scholar speaking, powered by love and enthusiasm, depolying his rich material with the greatest effectiveness.' - SUFI


'A book of great value. In these chapters Netton gives us the full and generous bounty of his extensive knowledge of the field of comparative religion, and they should be required reading for any basic course on the subject. ... Here is the true scholar speaking, powered by love and enthusiasm, depolying his rich material with the greatest effectiveness.' - SUFI

ISBN: 9780700712427

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 385g

232 pages