Repentance and the Return to God

<p><b>The first major study of the idea of repentance or</b><b><i> tawba</i></b><b>in Islam.</b></p><p>This book offers the first extensive treatment in a European language of <i>tawba</i> in Islam. Conventionally translated as repentance <i>tawba</i> includes the broader sense of returning to God. Khalil examines this wider notion in the early period of Sufism with a particular focus on the formative years of the tradition between Mu??sib? and Ab? ??lib al-Makk?. Beginning with an extensive survey of the semantic field of the term as outlined in Arabic lexicography Khalil offers a detailed analysis of the concept in Muslim scripture. He then examines <i>tawba</i> as a complex psychological process involving interior conversion and a complete unwavering commitment to the spiritual life. The ideas of a number of prominent figures from the first few centuries of Islam are used to illuminate the historical development of <i>tawba</i> and its role in early <i>praxis</i>-oriented Sufism.</p>