Three Early Sufi Texts

Recently updated and expanded, this collection of early Sufi writings, drawn from northeastern Iran, elucidates the beliefs of a small circle of disciples called the People of Blame. Of interest to modern scholars for the contrasting beliefs of this sect with later Sufi practices, the works—as well as the larger philosophical tenants of the People of Blame—forbid individualism while espousing the acceptance of blame as the key to obtaining intimate knowledge of God. Other topics discussed by these early authors include the role of Sharia laws and the embrace of poverty among the People of Blame.