TUNISIAN SUFI ORDER ISAWIYYA: THE EXPERIENCE OF FIELD STUDIES AND LIFE IN BROTHERHOOD

Abstract

This article is the description of religious practices and rituals of the Sufi Order Isawiyya made by person who had the experience of life in brotherhood. Description of the history of the Order is based on both its presentation by followers of the Order for the neophytes, and the scientific literature. Tunisian spiritual brotherhood of Isawiya is one of the most respected and at the same time extravagant Sufi orders of North Africa and the Middle East, first of all, thanks to an eclectic basis in their practices, but also due to the relatively "free" views of their followers. The rituals of the order are free to take all comers, including non-Muslims. Another feature of the order is to use special practices to achieve mystical knowledge of Allah: playing musical instruments, dance and holotropic breathwork. It should also be noted that participation in the rituals of Isawiya often plays the role of rite of passage for men in certain areas of Tunisia. These features of religious practice of Isawiya provide its popularity in the twenty-first century and expansion of its spread.

Keywords

• islam
• sufism
• sufi order
• isawiyya
• maghreb