Veils of the Heart

About this book

Eastern and Western philosophy and experience clash as Munirah Maclean seeks to sustain her faith and values and find a place within the movement around the Sheikh. This far-reaching memoir follows Munirah as she converts to Islam, marries, and is initiated into an ancient Sufi lineage, the Naqshbandi. Her relationship with Sheikh Nazim is transformative, taking place before he becomes a worldwide spiritual leader. Following Sheikh Nazim she tries to live the role of a "traditional Ottoman woman." However, as his recognition grows, she finds she can't align with the model of his North American representative, wherein spirituality has become another aspect of consumerism, which does not reflect the Sufi path. The conflict between a woman's "traditional role" and the demands of late capitalism and individualism has brought about huge societal changes, which many people are struggling to negotiate. How will she raise her family in North America and still stay on the mystical journey? On her spiritual quest, Munirah learns that one the most important parts of the spiritual path is to follow your heart and your own inner connection with ultimate truth. She shares her personal story here, acknowledging its subjectivity while authenticating the spiritual realities she experienced. Veils of the Heart is a heartfelt portrayal of the place of women in traditional Sufism and an affirmation of them.