I can't believe on a web page that should reflect thoughtful dicussions about mysticism, religeon and life people are arguing baout whether Jesus or Muhammad was greater. This is ridiculous and a sign of insecurity or ignorance. They were both great men in different ways and have impacted our societies differently.

Ibn Arabe is an excellent person to read about as he is familiar with both traditions and reflects a unique and renowned understanding of spirituality and mystical thought.

The next thing you know someone else will be arguing that hey Buddha was even greater than "your two" prophets. Grow up.

This book gives a definition and general history of what sufism can best be described as, the spiritual aspects of Islam (it would be best to know some general things about Islam before reading this book), poems and writings by some famous sufis such as Rumi and Ibn Arabi, etc. William Chittick does write beautifully and found this book spiritually inspiring. However, I found a few of the concepts mentioned to be a little over my head such as the chapter about the lifting of the veils that surround God(swt).