Sufism, Sufis, Sufi orders: Sufism's many paths

An online essay by Dr Alan Godlas of the University of Georgia, introducing Sufism, the mystical or inner dimension of Islam. The work takes the reader through definitions and issues important to Sufism, including: obstacles and internal struggles; awakening and remembrance of God; and Islam's relationship to Sufism. There is also a section dedicated to a number of well-known Sufis like Hasan al-Basri, Mansur al-Hallaj and Abu Hamid al-Ghazali; and another to Sufi Orders and their Shaykhs. Throughout the essay are numerous hypertext links (their presence explained within the text) to further texts by the author or to external sites. The essay ends with a list of annotated links relating to Sufi orders, books and other resources. The essay forms a part of the author's 'Islam and Islamic Studies Resources' site.