Early Islamic Mysticism
Sufi, Qur'an, Mi'raj, Poetic and Theological Writings
translated, edited, and introduction by Michael Sells
preface by Carl Ernst
Paulist Press, 1996
398 pgs
ISBN 0-8091-3619-8

Michael Sells and Carl Ernst are the best contemporary, academic writers on Sufism. Both write with clarity and insight. Michael Sells' book on "Early Islamic Mysticism" for the Paulist Press series "Classics of Western Spirituality" is a treasure trove of riches for both teachers and students. Much of the material in this volume is translated into English for the first time. Sells writes so clearly and with an obvious love of the languages he is translating. His general introduction to the volume and to the individual works are highly informative. He clearly sets for readers the historical context and outlines the central concepts of each entry. I found his remarks to be very helpful.

One does not need to be an expert on Islam or Sufism to gain a great deal from this collection. The introductory essay walks readers through concepts basic to Islam and to Sufism. While explaining these basics Sells is able to adroitly move readers past old stereotypes that still linger in the West when it comes to Islam. He frames Islam in terms of a spirituality of embodiment by pointing out that the central Five Pillars are actions. This integration and symbiosis of idea and practice is a core way that he confronts negative western images of Islam as somehow legalistic. He moves on to discuss the Shi'ite Ta'ziyya or re-enactment of the martyrdom of Ali, the veneration of the Prophet's family and of saints, and what is prohibited and what is allowed. This portion of the introduction ends with a discussion of the embodied Word of God, a word not embodied in a person, but in a text. Finally we are given a basic overview of the four phases of Islamic spirituality. The introduction alone is worth the reasonable price of the book.

Other sections of the book that I would highlight for readers is the section on the "Sources of Islamic Mysticism." He divides this exploration into one of fundamental and foundational topics such as the Qur'an, the Mi'raj, Sacred Cosmology and Mystical Orientation, and Poetic Dimensions of Islamic Spirituality. In particular I was impressed with Michael Sells' very informative exposition of Qur'anic Suras. It is amazing difficult to find accessible explanations of the Qur'an, and Sells shines here in explaining the text and the meaning of specific suras to readers. His choice of suras is intentional. He chooses those whose themes have been and are especially relevant to Sufism. Equally informative is the short essay which looks at how elements of the highly sophisticated pre-Islamic Arabic poetry were taken up and revalorized by later Islamic religious poets. This is another "must read" section.

Important, too, were the sections that traced the mapping and the beginning systemization of the spiritual path. Starting with a Treatise by Qushayri that illustrates the notion of spiritual stations (attained through self directed effort) and states ( which are granted independent of intention or will) we are introduced to guideposts along the spiritual path (constriction and expansion, awe and intimacy, various states of ecstasy, union and separation, passing away and abiding) that will become hallmarks of later Sufi literature. Sells then moves further along chronologically in Sarraj's "Seven Stations from the Book of Flashes" to look at how these ideas have developed.

Connected to the mapping of the spiritual path was an exquisite essay by Muhasibi on "Moral Psychology." Here we are given a look into another type of guide book for those traveling the spiritual path which focuses more on psycho-spiritual development. The questions of motivation and intent are delved into by Muhasibi. Both the obvious and subtle forms of egotism, inevitable and necessary encounters on the path, are discussed eloquently and perceptively.

Finally, I would call reader's attention to the biographical work on Rabi'a, one of the great female mystics of Islam, and on Al- Hallaj, the enigmatic and mysterious saint. Both these sections are a delight to read and would make for great inclusion in the secondary classroom. Al Hallaj's notion of Iblis (Satan) as the great lover of God is a wonderful essay, full of subtlety and insight.

For those who teach about Islam, Michael Sells "Early Islamic Mysticsm" is a must-have book. For students with background in Islam, the book as a whole would be a wonderful addition to the syllabus. For those just learning about Islam, there are many sections of this book that would make for informative and exciting handouts. Michael Sells other books on Islam are important to read as well. In particular his "Mystical Language of Unsaying," and "Approaching the Qur'an: the Early Revelations" are very helpful resources and texts for both for teachers and students.

review ©2000 by Tom Collins and RSiSS

Tom Collins
Seabury Hall
Makawao, Hawaii

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