Description: Beyond Dogma examines Rumi's central teaching about friendship with God (walaya) in light of earlier Sufi discourse on this topic and its reception by Muslim theologians and jurists. It provides a nuanced and historically contextualized appreciation of Rumi's place in Islam.
Review Quotes: "In Beyond Dogma, Mojaddedi contextualizes Rumi's thought against the views of classical Sufi authors, and simultaneously offers a fresh alternative to prevalent narratives about the historical development of Sufism in the post-classical period. The first real attempt to situate Rumi within Sufi history, this superb book will make a major impact on Sufism studies."- Ahmet T. Karamustafa, Professor of History and Religious Studies, Washington University in St. Louis
"Beyond Dogma is an original and welcome contribution to the understanding of Sufi history in general and Jalaluddin Rumi in particular. Rumi is the embodiment of the essence of Islam: not an Islam that defers to a dry legalism determined by man-made concepts, but rather an Islam imbued with mercy, compassion, flexibility, and love."- Kabir Helminski, author of Living Presence and The Knowing Heart