The Shrine and Cult of Mu'in al-din Chishti of Ajmer

The reissue of this classic on Shaykh Mu'in al-din Chishti, one of the most revered mystics of the Indian subcontinent, has been long awaited. Currie places him in a historical context, pointing to his social and cultural importance and also traces the history of the shrine at Ajmer in Rajasthan, an important centre of pilgrimage even today.
This book defines the role of Sufi mystics in Islam, and places Shaykh Mu'in al-din in a historical context, disentangling the Mu'in of history from the legendary creation of later chronicles. The author traces the reasons behind the rise of the legend and why it assumed the form it did. He also describes the history of the shrine, and the customs and hierarchy of attendants that have grown up around it in the last five hundred years.
This well written and researched classic will appeal to all visitors to Chishti's dargah. Students and scholars of religion, Islamic studies, history, and philosophy will find it a valuable addition to their repertoire.
About the Author:
P. M. Currie was educated at Sherborne, Cambridge, and Oxford, where he obtained a D. Phil, A retired civil servant he has had postings in Jamaica, Washington, London, and Bonn.