REVIEW

Islamic Sufism is perhaps the closest one can get to a contemporary manual or text-book on Islamic Spirituality. The book covers almost every conceivable aspect of Sufism, from a summary of the very basics of the Islamic rituals such as fasting and prayers, to the more complex concepts such as "Wahdatul wujud" or "Oneness of Being".

The sub-title of the book is "the *science* of the journey to God...." And indeed the book describes the journey of the Sufi seeker as a very scientific, systematic and methodical path, with clear milestones and objectives. It presents Islamic Sufism as a practical system and the most relevant of all the religio-spiritual systems. Unlike other spiritual ways, the Sufi is required to live an active and productive life *in* this world and not run away from it. The book also demonstrates the common fallacies and misunderstandings about Sufism. It demonstrates that Sufism was never a product of other mystical beliefs but is a part and heart of Islam itself.

The author, Capt. W.B.S. Rabbani (r.a.), was a recognised Sufi Master of his time, having spent some 12 years with his own Sheikh, and more than 50 years as a practicing Sufi, himself training innumerable seekers on the path. This book is highly useful for anyone interested in a broader coverage of Islamic Spirituality from a historical, practical, methodological, and step-by-step approach.

1.0" x 5.75" x 8.0", 416 pages, ISBN 967-9963-57-8, US$ 13.00