Elements of sufism, the

NOTE: This book has also been published under the title, The Thoughtful Guide to Sufism. Sufism is the heart of Islam. This introduction to Sufism describes its origins and practices, its historical background and its spread throughout the world. The Elements of Sufism explains: - Where Sufism originated - The relationship between Islam and Sufism - What it means to be a Sufi - The relevance of Sufism in modern life ABOUT SHAYKH FADHLALLA HAERI Shaykh Fadhlalla Haeri was born in Karbala, Iraq, a descendant of several generations of well-known and revered spiritual leaders. Educated in Europe and America, he founded a number of companies in the Middle East and worked as a consultant in the oil industry. He travelled extensively on a spiritual quest which led to his eventual rediscovery of the pure and original Islamic heritage of his birth. In 1980 he established the Zahra Trust, a charitable organization with centers in the USA, Britain and the Middle East, which makes traditional Islamic teachings more widely available through courses and publications, promotes the revival of traditional systems of healing and supports a variety of charitable programs. Shaykh Fadhlalla is currently engaged in lecturing and writing books and commentaries on the Holy Qur?an and related subjects, with particular emphasis on ethics, self-development and gnosis (`irfan). In 2004, he established the Academy of Self Knowledge, http://www.askonline.co.za, which offers teachings on self knowledge and the Prophetic revealed path.