The Mystics of Islam

Reynold A. Nicholson’s study is a foundational introduction to Islamic mysticism, especially Sufism, by one of the most important Western scholars of the field. It traces major themes, figures, and practices in the Sufi tradition and gives readers a clear account of doctrines such as divine love, annihilation of the self, and spiritual realization.

Reynold Alleyne Nicholson (1868–1945) was a British Orientalist and scholar of Arabic and Persian literature, best known for his pioneering translations and studies of Sufi texts. His work, especially on Rumi and al-Ghazali, played a major role in introducing Islamic mysticism to English-speaking readers.