Includes bibliographical references and index.

This is a general survey of the rise and development of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) up to the modern period, which takes into account the latest achievements of scholarship on the subject. Sufism is examined from a variety of perspectives: as a vibrant social institution, a specific form of artistic expression, an ascetic and contemplative practice, and a distinctive intellectual tradition. Islamic Mysticism by Knysh is a comprehensive survey of the interesting and fascinating world of Islamic Mysticism.

Preliminary Material -- INTRODUCTION -- THE BEGINNINGS -- ASCETICISM AND MYSTICISM IN WESTERN PROVINCES: SYRIA AND EGYPT -- THE SUFISM OF THE BAGHDAD SCHOOL -- THE "INTOXICATED" MYSTICISM OF AL-BISṬĀMĪ AND AL-ḤALLĀJ -- ASCETIC AND MYSTICAL MOVEMENTS IN BAṢRA AND KHURĀSĀN -- THE SYSTEMATIZATION OF THE SUFI TRADITION -- SUFISM AS LITERATURE AND METAPHYSICS: THE GRAND MASTERS OF SUFI POETRY AND PHILOSOPHY -- UNITY AND DIVERSITY IN SUFISM. THE RISE OF THE ṬARĪQAS -- SUFI INSTITUTIONS IN REGIONAL CONTEXTS OVER THE LAST SIX CENTURIES -- MAJOR SUFI CONCEPTS AND INSTITUTIONS -- GENERAL CONCLUSION -- BIBLIOGRAPHY -- GENERAL INDEX -- INDEX OF BOOK TITLES -- INDEX OF TERMS.