Renard greatly expanded the second edition of his work covering Sufism, a lesser-known, mystical branch of Islam. His balanced approach shows Sufism not as an aberration, but rather a key component in the history and development of Muslim doctrine. The practice of Sufism contains many regional and doctrinal variations that offer a variety of differing interpretations of the teachings of Islam, not all of which are in agreement. Renard's expanded dictionary contains over 1,000 short entries defining concepts relating to Sufism’s historical development, political history, religious orders, alternate views, literature, institutions, common themes, and regional variations. Some entries are identical to the first edition (Iberian Peninsula); other entries have been expanded and updated (Ja'far aṣ-Ṣadiq, in the author's spelling). New subjects include a variety of people (Muhammad al-Kattani), places (Somalia), and concepts (colonialism). Entries are cross-referenced and transliterated. Most foreign terms used within the dictionary are explained in the glossary. The source also has a chronology, a lengthy introductory essay, a 159-page bibliography, websites, multiple photographs, illustrations, and maps. This updated edition will be a valuable resource for the study and understanding of Sufism.Summing Up:Recommended. All readership levels.
Renard greatly expanded the second edition of his work covering Sufism, a lesser-known, mystical branch of Islam. His balanced approach shows Sufism not as an aberration, but rather a key component in the history and development of Muslim doctrine. The practice of Sufism contains many regional and doctrinal variations that offer a variety of differing interpretations of the teachings of Islam, not all of which are in agreement. Renard's expanded dictionary contains over 1,000 short entries defining concepts relating to Sufism’s historical development, political history, religious orders, alternate views, literature, institutions, common themes, and regional variations. Some entries are identical to the first edition (Iberian Peninsula); other entries have been expanded and updated (Ja'far aṣ-Ṣadiq, in the author's spelling). New subjects include a variety of people (Muhammad al-Kattani), places (Somalia), and concepts (colonialism). Entries are cross-referenced and transliterated. Most foreign terms used within the dictionary are explained in the glossary. The source also has a chronology, a lengthy introductory essay, a 159-page bibliography, websites, multiple photographs, illustrations, and maps. This updated edition will be a valuable resource for the study and understanding of Sufism. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.
Renard greatly expanded the second edition of his work covering Sufism, a lesser-known, mystical branch of Islam. His balanced approach shows Sufism not as an aberration, but rather a key component in the history and development of Muslim doctrine. The practice of Sufism contains many regional and doctrinal variations that offer a variety of differing interpretations of the teachings of Islam, not all of which are in agreement. Renard's expanded dictionary contains over 1,000 short entries defining concepts relating to Sufism’s historical development, political history, religious orders, alternate views, literature, institutions, common themes, and regional variations. Some entries are identical to the first edition (Iberian Peninsula); other entries have been expanded and updated (Ja'far aṣ-Ṣadiq, in the author's spelling). New subjects include a variety of people (Muhammad al-Kattani), places (Somalia), and concepts (colonialism). Entries are cross-referenced and transliterated. Most foreign terms used within the dictionary are explained in the glossary. The source also has a chronology, a lengthy introductory essay, a 159-page bibliography, websites, multiple photographs, illustrations, and maps. This updated edition will be a valuable resource for the study and understanding of Sufism. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels.
To support the alphabetical entries that comprise the dictionary proper, Renard (theological studies, Saint Louis U.) provides a map showing major cities and regions from Spain to Indonesia, a chronology spanning some 14 centuries of Islamic history, an introduction to the historical approaches to Sufism, a glossary of technical terms, a thematic bibliography, and black-and-white photographs of works of art and architecture as well as a few scenes of Sufi activities. He says Sufism is not some aberrant sect or cult, but is integral to the history of the global faith of Islam, and wherever Muslims are found, Sufis will be among them. Extensive cross-referencing mitigates the lack of an index.
Reference and Research Book News
The Historical Dictionary of Sufism stands as a testament to Scarecrow Press's continuing commitment to address current topics of global importance....This resource is one of the first in English dedicated to Sufism, a relatively unknown sect of Islam. Nationally recognized scholar and author John Renard (Saint Louis University) employs his extensive knowledge of both Western and Eastern spirituality and mysticism in each section....Renard uses his words to illuminate this elusive topic. This is an absolute must for Islamic, Philosophy, Religious Studies collections in all libraries, especially academic. Destined to become a definitive resource, The Historical Dictionary of Sufism is highly recommended.
American Reference Books Annual
This work, compiled by John Renard, professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University, provides researchers with quick access to both basic and obscure aspects of Sufism. The Historical Dictionary of Sufism includes more than 3,000 entries and cross-references on the history, main figures, institutions, theory, and literary works associated with Sufism.
Spring 2007 Middle East Journal
For any library or personal collection wanting to go beyond the obvious reference works on Islam and Sufism, this new historical dictionary provides a great deal. It is a specialized work...likely to support advanced work well, provide an array of well-chosen and well-related key terms in Sufism, open up helpful reading and sources, and please any student.
"American Reference Books Annual"
For any library or personal collection wanting to go beyond the obvious reference works on Islam and Sufism, this new historical dictionary provides a great deal. It is a specialized work...likely to support advanced work well, provide an array of well-chosen and well-related key terms in Sufism, open up helpful reading and sources, and please any student.
The Historical Dictionary of Sufism stands as a testament to Scarecrow Press's continuing commitment to address current topics of global importance....This resource is one of the first in English dedicated to Sufism, a relatively unknown sect of Islam. Nationally recognized scholar and author John Renard (Saint Louis University) employs his extensive knowledge of both Western and Eastern spirituality and mysticism in each section....Renard uses his words to illuminate this elusive topic. This is an absolute must for Islamic, Philosophy, Religious Studies collections in all libraries, especially academic. Destined to become a definitive resource, The Historical Dictionary of Sufism is highly recommended.
American Reference Books Annual (ARBA)