Sufism in the Secret History of Persia (Gnostica)

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"This book shows the vital importance of Iran in the formation of Islamic culture. It was Central Asian Iranians who changed Islam from an Arab religion into a world universal faith. And it was Iran which introduced Sufism into Islam, shaping the gnostic character of the religion. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia illuminates Iranian Islamic civilization and reveals the influence of Zoroastrianism and Mithraism on Sufi beliefs." - Prof Richard N Frye, Harvard University Explores the fascinating history of Sufism within the social fabric of Persia from antiquity to today. Sufism formed one of the cultures of resistance which has existed in the social fabric of Persia since antiquity. Such resistance continues to manifest itself today with many looking to Sufism as a model of cooperation between East and West, between traditional and modern. Sufism in the Secret History of Persia explores the place of Sufi mysticism in Iran's intellectual and spiritual consciousness through traditional and contemporary Sufi thinkers and writers. It examines the current of spirituality which extends from the old Iranian worship of Mithra to modern Islam. This current always contains elements of gnosis and inner knowing, but has often provided impetus for socio-political resistance. The study describes how these persisting pre-Islamic cultural and socio-religious elements have secretly challenged Muslim orthodoxies and continue to shape the nature and orientation of contemporary Sufism.