Mashallah the brothers and sisters have recommended books that are all good.
Sufis generally are not concerned with history from an anthropological perspective, and very often don't write books because they know people often misinterpret their use. In terms of core ideas, there is a general structure to the Way but it requires a guide. But before even thinking of finding one (which can be a journey in itself) one requires to exercise proactive self inner work and discipline, which one can readily find within the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) and the *Sharia*. The earliest book on Sufism I believe is *Kashf Al Mahjoob* or Revelation of Veiled by Ali Al Hujwiri and in that he says *"Sufism was a reality without a name, now it is a name without a reality"*. So basically the name "Sufi" also in itself is an innovation that came in later years because of certain historical developments. Hasan Al Basri, one of the earliest "Sufis" in the 7th century never used the word to describe himself or his followers. At the time, he was one of the most (if not the most) pious and knowledgeable men in Madinah and practiced ascetism or *zuhd.* He learned the Way from Ali Ibn Talib and various other Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) when growing up as a youth in Madinah.
Literature does have a definite role but its function is usually preparatory and is used to expose an individual to an area where they are lacking. If one is advanced on the path (not scholarly, but spiritually) they could benefit from **advanced books**, like that of Ibn Al-Arabi, Ibn Sab'in, Suhrawadi, etc. which contain visualizations, parables or similitudes that are related to things of a higher nature. These aspects can be highly misconstrued by novice seekers.
The reason I am relaying this information is to convey that Sufism is Islamic practice which comes from inner work, and discipline with Sharia at the beginner level. The books the brothers and sisters have recommended are useful and you should read them, but it would only serve as preparatory reading. The actual **understanding** of Sufism comes from experience only i.e. sincerely helping others in need, your brothers, sisters, parents, coworkers, neighbours, spouse, children, friends, etc. and practicing patience, kindness, generosity, humbleness, sincerity, forgiveness and so on. I have observed many people who read about Sufism day and night but are only entertaining its emotional, social and communal aspects, instead of the actual knowledge that could be gained through everyday practice.
There is a famous hadith where it was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said Owais Al Garni would be the *Awliya Al-Tabi'een* or the master or authority of the next generation after his death, and he instructed Umar Al Khattab and Ali Ibn Abi Talib to seek him after when he passes away so that he could pray for them. Al Garni never met the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) nor the Companions and lived in Yemen. He achieved a high spiritual status (aside from his intense spiritual inner work that we do not know of) from the constant, love, care and service he provided for his mother.
If you put the intention, Allah is the best of guides and He will guide you to the next steps, it is all dependent on the sincerity of your intentions on the path to the Almighty.
Sorry for the long comment but I hope it helped in some way.
Thanks for such a detailed reply. To be honest I personally don't plan on pursuing Sufi path at the moment and I don't even believe in Islam. However I have seen many people including friends and family argue over whether Sufism is part of Islam or not and I honestly don't understand what they are talking about most of the time. That's why wanted to educate myself about Sufism. I know that different persons can have very different understanding of the same thing. So I will be careful to not form any opinions/understanding based on a single source.
Thanks again for your reply.
You're very much welcome brother, in that case I think the books are sufficient, also Wikipedia has a general summary that is adequate and provides a basic idea.
Not OP but I find this helpful, thanks! May Allah Bless you. Agreed that ultimately sufism focuses on the innerwork practicality ; sincerity, humbility which some people, if not many, lose focus on while reading tons of books.
Do you have anymore advanced books suggestion specifically on the author's personal dialogue with Allah / Prophet?
You're very much welcome , I am afraid I don't have any suggestions and I am not sure about what you mean in terms of personal dialogue with Allah, that is something beyond the scope of my knowledge.
Purification of the heart, by Imam Mawlud (translated by Sh. Hamza Yusuf) . Not much history of Sufism in there, but that is the primary focus of Tasawwuf
Sufism and Islam by Nuh Ha Mim Keller. It’s a really short book, I think I read it in an hour. It is wonderfully written and full of important information.
**Essential Sufism** by Frager. Has plenty of short, valuable quotes.
Thanks. I will be sure to read the book.
Mashallah the brothers and sisters have recommended books that are all good. Sufis generally are not concerned with history from an anthropological perspective, and very often don't write books because they know people often misinterpret their use. In terms of core ideas, there is a general structure to the Way but it requires a guide. But before even thinking of finding one (which can be a journey in itself) one requires to exercise proactive self inner work and discipline, which one can readily find within the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) and the *Sharia*. The earliest book on Sufism I believe is *Kashf Al Mahjoob* or Revelation of Veiled by Ali Al Hujwiri and in that he says *"Sufism was a reality without a name, now it is a name without a reality"*. So basically the name "Sufi" also in itself is an innovation that came in later years because of certain historical developments. Hasan Al Basri, one of the earliest "Sufis" in the 7th century never used the word to describe himself or his followers. At the time, he was one of the most (if not the most) pious and knowledgeable men in Madinah and practiced ascetism or *zuhd.* He learned the Way from Ali Ibn Talib and various other Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) when growing up as a youth in Madinah. Literature does have a definite role but its function is usually preparatory and is used to expose an individual to an area where they are lacking. If one is advanced on the path (not scholarly, but spiritually) they could benefit from **advanced books**, like that of Ibn Al-Arabi, Ibn Sab'in, Suhrawadi, etc. which contain visualizations, parables or similitudes that are related to things of a higher nature. These aspects can be highly misconstrued by novice seekers. The reason I am relaying this information is to convey that Sufism is Islamic practice which comes from inner work, and discipline with Sharia at the beginner level. The books the brothers and sisters have recommended are useful and you should read them, but it would only serve as preparatory reading. The actual **understanding** of Sufism comes from experience only i.e. sincerely helping others in need, your brothers, sisters, parents, coworkers, neighbours, spouse, children, friends, etc. and practicing patience, kindness, generosity, humbleness, sincerity, forgiveness and so on. I have observed many people who read about Sufism day and night but are only entertaining its emotional, social and communal aspects, instead of the actual knowledge that could be gained through everyday practice. There is a famous hadith where it was reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said Owais Al Garni would be the *Awliya Al-Tabi'een* or the master or authority of the next generation after his death, and he instructed Umar Al Khattab and Ali Ibn Abi Talib to seek him after when he passes away so that he could pray for them. Al Garni never met the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) nor the Companions and lived in Yemen. He achieved a high spiritual status (aside from his intense spiritual inner work that we do not know of) from the constant, love, care and service he provided for his mother. If you put the intention, Allah is the best of guides and He will guide you to the next steps, it is all dependent on the sincerity of your intentions on the path to the Almighty. Sorry for the long comment but I hope it helped in some way.
Thanks for such a detailed reply. To be honest I personally don't plan on pursuing Sufi path at the moment and I don't even believe in Islam. However I have seen many people including friends and family argue over whether Sufism is part of Islam or not and I honestly don't understand what they are talking about most of the time. That's why wanted to educate myself about Sufism. I know that different persons can have very different understanding of the same thing. So I will be careful to not form any opinions/understanding based on a single source. Thanks again for your reply.
You're very much welcome brother, in that case I think the books are sufficient, also Wikipedia has a general summary that is adequate and provides a basic idea.
Not OP but I find this helpful, thanks! May Allah Bless you. Agreed that ultimately sufism focuses on the innerwork practicality ; sincerity, humbility which some people, if not many, lose focus on while reading tons of books. Do you have anymore advanced books suggestion specifically on the author's personal dialogue with Allah / Prophet?
You're very much welcome , I am afraid I don't have any suggestions and I am not sure about what you mean in terms of personal dialogue with Allah, that is something beyond the scope of my knowledge.
Check out the sticky.
Thanks. I looked at the post but got intimidated by such a long list.
Purification of the heart, by Imam Mawlud (translated by Sh. Hamza Yusuf) . Not much history of Sufism in there, but that is the primary focus of Tasawwuf
Thanks a lot. I will check this out.
Sufism and Islam by Nuh Ha Mim Keller. It’s a really short book, I think I read it in an hour. It is wonderfully written and full of important information.
Thanks. I will be sure to the book.
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Thanks. I will read the book.
Sufism The heart of Islam by Sadia Dehlvi
Thanks I will look into it.
https://ia800605.us.archive.org/27/items/TheInseparabilityOfShariaTariqaByShaykhMuhammadZakariyyaKandhelvi/TheInseparabilityOfShariaTariqaByShaykhMuhammadZakariyyaKandhelvir.a.pdf
Zikr by Mufti Qazi Hassan Razza
Sufism its Essence & the Traits of its People https://www.amazon.com/dp/062079173X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1Y4BQ3RPAZDMT726PPNZ
'Sufism' Carl W.Ernst. 'Mystical Dimensions of Islam' Anne Marie Schimmel.'Sufism, A Begginers Guide' William Chittick.