Sufism and the 'Modern' in Islam

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Sufism has not only survived into the twenty-first century but has experienced a significant resurgence throughout the Muslim world. Sufism and the 'Modern' in Islam offers refreshing new perspectives on this phenomenon, demonstrating surprising connections between Sufism and Muslim reformist currents, and the vital presence of Sufi ideas and practices in all spheres of life. Contrary to earlier theories of the modernization of Muslim societies, Sufi influence on the political, economic and intellectual life of contemporary Muslim societies has been considerable. Although less noticed than the resurgence of radical Islam, Sufi orders and related movements involve considerably larger numbers of followers, even among the modern urban middle classes. The movement demonstrates a vitality and fervour that has massive contemporary appeal to urbanites, particularly in the West. This innovative study brings together new comparative and interdisciplinary research to show how Sufis have responded to modernization and globalization and how various currents of Islamic reform and Sufism have interacted.
Offering fascinating new insights into the pervasive Sufi influence on modern Islamic religiosity and contemporary political and economic life, this book raises important questions about Islam in the age of urbanism and mass communications.

Reviews

'Whilst the media, politicians and the public have been preoccupied post 9/11 with radical Islamism, scholars of Islam have been opening up a rich seam of Sufism. Most of this research can be found in this fine book, which can act as a benchmark on studies of contemporary Sufism' Dr. Philip Lewis, Honorary Visiting Lecturer, Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford

Author Bio

Martin van Bruinessen is Professor of Islamic Studies at Utrecht University and the International Institute for the Study of Islam in the Modern World (ISIM), both in the Netherlands. Julia Day Howell is Associate Professor in Asian Studies at Griffith University and Deputy Director of the Griffith Asia Institute (Brisbane, Australia).