The name "Sufism" serves as a generic term to designate the internal or mystical dimension of Islam; a fascinating religious universe linked to certain saints, texts, shrines, fraternities and spiritual practices. Consequently, Sufism is conspicuous by its multifaceted character.

Only an Islamologist of the stature of Annemarie Schimmel is capable of introducing us in such a clear, entertaining and concise way into the world of Sufism. The author clarifies the fundamental concepts of Islamic mysticism; she shows its transformation, from the origins (in the 8th century) to the present day; she highlights the most representative figures (such as ‘Attâr, al-Ghazzâlî, Hallâdj, Ibn‘ Arabî, Rûmî or Suhrawardî, among many); she presents the orders, fraternities and emblematic texts, or the developments of Sufism in spaces as varied as Persia, Arabia, Turkey, Central Asia, India, the Maghreb, South Saharan Africa, and so on. Of course, she, Schimmel, delves into the practices that characterize Sufi mysticism, an inner path that culminates in the love and knowledge of God. And she does not stop paying attention to the popular forms of Sufism or its validity in contemporary society. In short, a very accessible and rigorous introduction to familiarize ourselves with the internal dimension of Islam.