Women of Sufism: A Hidden TreasureCamille Adams Helminski This collection of Sufi poetry and songs is “an inspiring source to deepen our knowledge of Sufism by the examples and teachings of . . . beautiful and wise Sufi women” (Sufism) The luminous presence of women who follow the Sufi Way—the mystical path of Islam—is brought to life here through their sacred songs and poetry, their dreams and visions, and stories of their efforts as they witness the Truth in many realms. These writings reflect the honor and respect for the feminine in the Sufi worldview, and they are shared in the spirit of inspiration and hope for the flourishing contributions of women to the spiritual development of humanity. Spanning the centuries, from the time of the Prophet Muhammad to the present day, the selections are by or about an array of Sufi traditions in different parts of the world, from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to Europe and America—from beloved members of the Prophet’s family to the mystic Rabi’a al-Adawiyya to the modern scholar Annemarie Schimmel. Biographical anecdotes and personal memoirs provide a glimpse into the experience of great saints and contemporary practitioners alike, while providing an introduction to the principles and practices of Sufism. |
Contents
IN THE HEART OF THE PROPHET I | 1 |
EARLY SUFI WOMEN | 19 |
A DOORKEEPER of the HEART | 25 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
Ahmad Aisha Allah Annemarie Schimmel Arabic asked basirah beautiful become Bektashi Beloved blessings Cenan Hanim century Chishti daughter dervish disciples Divine dream Early Sufi Women Efendi faith father Fatima fitra God's guidance Hagga Zakiyya Hatice Hanim Hazrat Hazrat Inayat Khan heart heaven Holy Qur'an human husband Ibid Ibn al-'Arabi Ibn Arabi Inayat Khan inner Islam Istanbul Jalaluddin Rumi journey Kaaba Khadija khalwah Khatun knowledge light lived Lord Manifestations master Mecca Merciful Messenger Mevlana Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi Mevlevi mosque mother Muhammad Muhammad Truth Muslim mystical Nafisa nafs never night Nishapur one's path patience peace person pilgrimage pray prayer Prophet Muhammad Qadiriyya Rabi'a recited remembrance revealed Rifa'i saint Samiha Sha'wana Shadhili shaykh sister songs soul spiritual story Sufism Surah tariqah teacher teaching things tomb tradition translated TWEEDIE veil verse vision wife woman words worship zhikr