Tales of God's Friends - by John Renard (Paperback)

About the Book

"The works of Islamic mysticism are a crucial genre of Islamic piety, and the lives of the "awliya" (friends of God) have been and continue to be a crucial way in which the theoretical insights of Sufism are embodied and communicated to a wider audience. Traditionally, these genres would be deciphered by a living Sufi master. Here John Renard acts as our Sufi guide, transporting us to the marvelous world of Islamic piety."--Omid Safi, Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Northern Carolina

Book Synopsis

This remarkable collection gathers a breathtakingly diverse selection of primary texts from the vast repertoire of Islamic stories about holy men and women--also known as Friends of God--who were exemplary for their piety, intimacy with God, and service to their fellow human beings. Translated from seventeen languages by more than two dozen scholars of Islamic studies, these texts come from the Middle East, North and sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South Asia, and China and Southeast Asia. Historically, they begin with the eighth century and include samples from medieval, early modern, and modern Muslim societies. Expertly edited and introduced by John Renard, Tales of God's Friends serves as a companion volume to Renard's Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood.

From the Back Cover

"The works of Islamic mysticism are a crucial genre of Islamic piety, and the lives of the awliya (friends of God) have been and continue to be a crucial way in which the theoretical insights of Sufism are embodied and communicated to a wider audience. Traditionally, these genres would be deciphered by a living Sufi master. Here John Renard acts as our Sufi guide, transporting us to the marvelous world of Islamic piety."--Omid Safi, Professor of Islamic Studies, University of Northern Carolina

Review Quotes

"A fresh and innovative look et a plethora of narratives about Sufi shaykhs and their communities across the globe."-- "Review Of Middle East Stds" (8/12/2012 12:00:00 AM)

"[Renard] has provided an important means of getting nearer to the letter and spirit of such a vast domain of Islamic culture."--Giuseppe Scattolin "Islamochristiana" (7/6/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Highly recommended."-- "Choice" (7/8/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"This book is ground-breaking scholarship and an absolute pleasure to read."-- "Journal School Of Oriental & Afrcn Stds" (3/15/2011 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

John Renard is Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His many books include Seven Doors to Islam: Spirituality and the Religious Life of Muslims, Windows on the House of Islam, and Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood, all from UC Press.