Most of the readings are published here in English for the first time. Brief introductory remarks place each selection into its historical and religious context, and an index of Qur'anic passages helps the reader to trace the extensive allusions to the Islamic holy scriptures.
The topics covered include:
- The nature of mystical love
- Meditation
- Listening to music as a spiritual practice
- Ethical teachings of Sufism
- Pitfalls on the spiritual path
- Spiritual companionship and the master-disciple relationship
- The importance of the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad
- Biographical accounts of great mystics, including the poet Rumi as well as several female saints