"The Mystics of Islam" by Reynold A. Nicholson is a scholarly exploration of Islamic mysticism, or Sufism, and its history, teachings and practices of Islam. The book covers the early development of Sufism in the Islamic world, the emergence of distinct Sufi orders and their doctrines, and the evolution of Sufi poetry and literature. Nicholson discusses various aspects of Sufi mysticism, such as its emphasis on the direct experience of Almighty, the importance of spiritual guides and the process of spiritual purification, the use of meditation and ecstatic practices, and the concept of love as the central theme of Sufi spirituality. The book also examines the lives and teachings of prominent Sufi figures, such as Rumi, Ibn al-ʿArabī, and Ghazālī, and their contributions to Islamic philosophy and spirituality. Nicholson's writing provides an objective and nuanced portrayal of Sufism, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting its enduring impact on Islamic culture and spirituality. Overall, "The Mystics of Islam" is a comprehensive and insightful introduction to Islamic mysticism, written with both academic rigor and a deep appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of Sufi thought and practice.
British scholar, translator, and writer on Islamic mysticism and literature, Reynold Alleyne Nicholson (1868–1945). He was raised in Keighley, England, attended Cambridge University for his undergraduate studies, and then he taught Persian and Arabic at the Universities of Cambridge and London. The writings of Rumi, the famous Persian poet and Sufi mystic, particularly his greatest work, "The Masnavi," are best known through Nicholson's translations. In addition, he translated and published analyses of other Sufi poets and thinkers including Attar, Hafiz, and Ibn Arabi. Nicholson's research on Islamic mysticism was esteemed in his day and is still seen as being significant now. He made a great contribution to the understanding of Sufism in the West by highlighting its intellectual and spiritual aspects and dispelling myths and stereotypes. The famous Edward Cadbury Medal was given to Nicholson in 1936. He was a member of the Royal Asiatic Society and the recipient of various honors and accolades for his contributions. Up to the time of his death in 1945, he kept up his writing and teaching careers and left behind a body of profound research on Islamic literature and mysticism.
