Three Early Sufi Texts

Recently updated and expanded, this collection of scholarly translations of early Sufi writings, drawn from northeastern Iran, elucidates the beliefs of a small circle of disciples called the People of Blame. Of interest to modern scholars for the contrasting beliefs of this sect with later Sufi practices, the worksas well as the larger philosophical tenants of the People of Blameforbid individualism while espousing the acceptance of blame as the key to obtaining intimate knowledge of God. Other topics discussed by these early authors include the role of Sharia laws and the embrace of poverty among the People of Blame.

al-Hakím al-Tirmidhí was an 11th-century Sufi master. Nicholas Heer is the translator of The Precious Pearl. Abú 'Abd al-Rahmán al-Sulamí al-Naysabúrí was an 11th-century Sufi master. Kenneth L. Honerkamp is a professor of religion at the University of Georgia and the editor and translator of several other books on Abú ‘Abd al-Rahmán al-Sulamí al-Naysabúrí.