In Knowledge before Action; Amina M. Steinfels examines medieval Sufism and its place in Islamic society by telling the story of the life and career of Sayyid Jal?l al-d?n Bukh?r?; a revered figure in Pakistan. Considered one of the most important Sufi masters of South Asia; Sayyid Jal?l al-d?n Bukh?r?; more popularly referred to as Makhd?m-i Jah?niy?n; is known for combining spirituality and scholarship in a formative period for Sufism. Steinfels assembles the details of Bukh?r?'s life from records of his teachings; dynastic chronicles; and correspondence to discover how he achieved his status and laid the groundwork for a devotional cult that has lasted seven centuries. Steinfels also examines Bukh?r?'s theories of the relationship between scholar and mystic. Bukh?r?'s teachings provide windows into the underlying concerns and themes of medieval Sufism. Knowledge before Action describes Bukh?r?'s training as a scholar and a Sufi; his exercise of religious authority over his disciples; and his theories of the relationships between saint and shaykh. Knowledge before Action discusses ritual and contemplative practices; the economic bases of Sufi institutions; and the interconnectedness between Sufi masters; the 'ulama; and the political authorities by telling the story of Bukh?r?.
#850576 in Books The History Press 2011-03-18 2011-03-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .31 x 6.00l; .60 #File Name: 1609490061160 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. OK BookBy HegelianThe author lives nearby and seems more interested in local history than the book's subject. The first big chunk of the book rehearses the settlement of Missouri; the Missouri Compromise; bleeding Kansas; the start of the Civil War...with illustrations that include pictures of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. As a "study" of the battle; the book in no way improves on Monnett's Action Before Westport. The maps are the same ones used in Monnett's book; but rendered almost irrelevant since the author refers to units by commander while the maps show units by regiment. The book will mostly appeal to folks in the Kansas City area. If you are looking for a new; detailed account of the Battle of Westport; this isn't it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I was very disappointed in this bookBy KansasScoutThis is not the book you want if you wish to study the actual battle. He devotes about two chapters to the battle and the rest is background. I was very disappointed in this book. It's redeeming feature is the background info but the sparce account of the battle renders it marginally helpful for readers looking for that. The best book remains Monetts; "Action before Westport". Therefore; this book rates as "OK".6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Well Written Account of Civil War in MOBy rw-chesterfield;MOThe beginning tells more about the pre-war history of the town of Westport than most of us want to know. But; keep reading and you will be rewarded with a well written account of events leading to the battle of Westport; the battle itself; and its consequences. The book also describes Harry Truman's Confederate heritage as an unexpected and very interesting bonus. The Kindle version is well formated but the battle diagrams are a bit to small to see easily.
