This book presents a thematic collection of hagiographical stories of Sufi saints, often referred to as friends of Gods. Despite the diverse wealth of Sufi works, much of the rich, global and centuries old literature of Sufi warrior-saints, has yet to be translated into English. Examining hagiographical depictions of Sufi mujahids, Neale corrects frequent misunderstandings of the term jihad in relation to Sufi thought and practice. Using Sufi hagiography, treatises, travel narratives and Muslim histories, each chapter comprises the lives of Sufi saints during significant historical events, from the Crusades to the Mongol Invasion and in regions ranging from Islamic Spain to North Africa and India. Using Persian and Arabic sources, this compendium of translated hagiographies gives us a sense of the range, themes and global dissemination of the Sufi literature on war and heroism.

For generations, Central Asian Muslims have told legends of medieval rulers who waged war, died in battle, and achieved sainthood. Among the Uyghurs of East Turkistan (present-day Xinjiang, China), some of the most beloved legends tell of the warrior-saint Satuq Bughra Khan and his descendants, the rulers of the Qarakhanid dynasty. To this day, these tales are recited at the saints' shrines and retold on any occasion. Warrior Saints of the Silk Road introduces this rich literary tradition, presenting the first complete English translation of the Qarakhanid narrative cycle along with an accessible commentary. At once mesmerizing, moving, and disturbing, these legends are essential texts in Central Asia's religious heritage as well as fine, enduring works of mystical literature.

This book studies the veneration practices and rituals of the Muslim saints. It outlines principal trends of the main Sufi orders in India, the profiles and teachings of the famous and less known saints, and the development of pilgrimage to their tombs in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. A detailed discussion of the interaction of the Hindu mystic tradition and Sufism shows the polarity between the rigidity of the orthodox and the flexibility of the popular Islam in South Asia.

Poetry. Ready or not, the arrival of warriors have come to battle - NOT to war! Wisdom Warriors carry shields that are dedicated to the preservation of the global nation. If the Homo of all sapiens is to survive, a conscious effort to de-program and re-program is necessary... (from H)e)ssay 1: Ready or Not). Ishmael Reed writes of this work: With Sufi Warrior, Diem Jones has successfully transmitted the sounds of Rap to the printed page.

This rare and remarkable book brings together the life and teachings of eight torch-bearers of Sufism -- among them Rabia, Abu Hasan, Junnuna Misri and Sachal. An inspired and elevating work from the pen of Sadhu Vaswani, the book offers us the distilled wisdom and devotion of Sufism. The Sufi saints can indeed teach us valuable truths that will help us discover the true meaning and purpose of our life upon this earth.