Islamic Spirituality ─ Theology and Practice for the Modern World

Islamic Spirituality: Theology and Practice for the Modern World examines and explores the inner dimension of Islam. The writings of important figures in the historical development of Islamic spirituality are examined, as well as the major sources of religious authority in Islam, the Qur'an and Hadith.

Both classical Sufis and Sufism are explored as well as contemporary mystics. Key figures discussed include medieval Islamic theologian al-Ghazali (d.1111), and Said Nursi (d.1960), arguably one of the most important modern theologians in the Islamic spiritual tradition. Discussing both historical and contemporary dimensions of Islamic spirituality allows the author to ground classical Sufi texts in contemporary ideas and practices. Exploring spirituality in relation to key contemporary issues such as ecology, Zeki Saritoprak demonstrates how, when, and where people can practice Islamic spirituality in the Modern world.

Providing an overview of the intellectual and theological basis of Islamic spirituality, and including the author's own translations of a selection of key texts, this volume is ideal reading for courses exploring Islamic spirituality and mysticism and anyone interested in the spiritual practices of nearly a quarter of the world's population.

Zeki Saritoprak is Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and Director of the Bediuzzaman Said Nursi Chair in Islamic Studies, at John Carroll University, USA. A native of Turkey he has spent more than thirty years studying Islamic theology and mysticism. He is the author of many works on Islam, spirituality, and interfaith dialogue.