Compiled by a world-renowned Islamic scholar and spiritual guide, "Principles of Islamic Spirituality, Part 1: Sufism" is the first of a multi-volume treatise written for western readers. It presents a brief background of the Sufi hierarchy, their diverse communities achieved through religious tolerance and goodwill, their social responsibility, and treatment of the perennial conflict of good vs. evil. While this historic work draws upon authentic legal precedents and religious explanations from various Islamic schools of thought that form the majority Muslim view, it is presented for laypersons in easily understood terms and is highly recommended for anyone interested in mainstream Islam and its moderate views of today's world.