Studies in Early Mysticism in the Near and Middle East (Mystical Classics of the World)
Edition: New Ed edition
Publisher: Oneworld Publications
Published: July 25, 1995
Language: eng
Format: Paperback
Number of pages: 288
ISBN-13: 9781851680986
Subjects: Christian mysticism; History of religion; Islam; Mysticism; Religion - World Religions; Religion; Middle East; General; Religion / General
First sentence: THE name Mysticism is historically connected with the mystery-cults of the Greeks.
Description: The rich mystical tradition of the Near and Middle East is the fascinating subject of this wide-ranging study by Dr Margaret Smith, a renowned writer in this field.

Her book explores the relationship between the rise and development of a mystical element in Islam - which we know as Sufism - and the mysticism that was already to be found within the Christian Church of the Near and Middle East, at the time when Arab power was establishing itself and the faith of Islam was in the process of development and formulation.

In this earliest period of Islamic mysticism, the contacts between Christianity and Islam were at their closest. Here Dr Smith presents the mystics' teachings and allows their own writings to speak for them, offering an illuminating comparison between the early mystical doctrines of two great religious traditions, and celebrating their shared devotion and inspiration.