Product Description

'Reality Without A Name' is a critical examination of a variety of themes and principles that are of relevance to exploring the Sufi mystical path. Using 'Sufism: A Short Introduction' by Professor William C. Chittick as a case study, the present work takes the shortcomings, problems, and errors of the latter book as a starting point for explicating an array of misunderstandings concerning the Sufi spiritual tradition, in particular, and the Islamic religious tradition, in general, that are prevalent both within and outside of academia. In addition, the present study seeks to utilize the ensuing discussion to devleop a constructive approach to engaging -- at least in conceptual terms -- the Sufi path.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2392431 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-05
• Binding: Paperback
• 476 pages

About the Author
Dr. Whitehouse received an honors B.A. in Social Relations from Harvard University and a doctorate in Educational Theory from the University of Toronto. Dr. Whitehouse first stepped onto the Sufi path more than 35 years ago.

Customer Reviews

Academia meets 'Reality'
'Reality Without a Name' by Bill Whitehouse consists of 70 commentaries based on 70 excerpts drawn from a book by William Chittick --namely, 'Sufism: A Short Introductiion (which since has apparently been retitled 'Sufism: A Beginner's Guide'). Chittick's book purports to be an introduction to the Sufi perspective. However, according to Whitehouse's critically reflective commentaries, readers of Chittick's work, apparently, are receiving neither an accurate introduction to the Sufi path, nor are beginners being appropriately guided to an understanding of the Sufi path, since in commentary after commentary, Whitehouse elucidates numerous problems concerning the alleged 'understanding' of Sufism which is being developed within Chittick's book.


Whitehouse's book encompasses a wealth of detailed explorations concerning various aspects of the Sufi mystical tradition that demarcate clear distinctions between the sort of approach which is being outlined by Chittick and the kind of perspective being put forth through the
pages of 'Reality Without A Name'. In general, Chittick seems to paint a somewhat academic portrait of the Sufi path, whereas Whitehouse seeks to deconstruct that academic manner of framing the topic by espousing alternative ways of thinking about the same issues that are pursued by Chittick. If one accepts the arguments being put forth by Whitehouse, his approach to the Sufi mystical tradition provides a very different vantage point through which to begin reflecting upon the nature of the Sufi path.


I found Whitehouse's alternative approach to various issues and themes involving the Sufi path to be interesting, informative, and insightful. I also felt that his book would be of assistance to both those without much
knowledge of the Sufi path, as well as to individuals who might already have a more developed sense of that mystical way.