The most broadly accepted explanation of Sufism i the etymological derivation of the term from the Arabic for “wool,” ṣūf, associating practitioners with a preference for poor, rough clothing. This explanation clearly identifies Sufism with ascetical practice and the importance of manifesting spiritual poverty through material poverty. In fact, some of the earliest “Western” descriptions of individuals now widely associated with the larger phenomenon of Sufism identified them with the Arabic term faqīr, mendicant, or its most common Persian equivalent, darwīsh. Sufism, as presented here embraces a host of features including the ritual, institutional, psychological, hermeneutical, artistic, literary, ethical, and epistemological.   This second edition of Historical Dictionary of Sufism contains a chronology, an introduction, a glossary, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 1,000 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, major historical figures and movements, practices, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Sufism.

"Renard greatly expanded the second edition of his work covering Sufism, a lesser-known, mystical branch of Islam. His balanced approach shows Sufism not as an aberration, but rather a key component in the history and development of Muslim doctrine. The practice of Sufism contains many regional and doctrinal variations that offer a variety of differing interpretations of the teachings of Islam, not all of which are in agreement. Renard's expanded dictionary contains over 1,000 short entries defining concepts relating to Sufism’s historical development, political history, religious orders, alternate views, literature, institutions, common themes, and regional variations. Some entries are identical to the first edition (Iberian Peninsula); other entries have been expanded and updated (Ja'far aṣ-Ṣadiq, in the author's spelling). New subjects include a variety of people (Muhammad al-Kattani), places (Somalia), and concepts (colonialism). Entries are cross-referenced and transliterated. Most foreign terms used within the dictionary are explained in the glossary. The source also has a chronology, a lengthy introductory essay, a 159-page bibliography, websites, multiple photographs, illustrations, and maps. This updated edition will be a valuable resource for the study and understanding of Sufism. Summing Up: Recommended. All readership levels." - CHOICE