Sufism

Abstract

Alexander Knysh’s Sufism: A New History of Islamic Mysticism provides a thorough understanding of Sufism. His detailed chapters break down the different elements of Sufism, from how the term and practice emerged to the specific traditions carried out by Sufis. The first chapter, “How and Why Sufism Came to Be,” contrasts Sufi Muslims who believe they are supposed to live a frugal lifestyle with other Muslims who believe they should enjoy all they have in life while remaining pious. Kynsh focuses heavily on American scholar Marshall Hodgson and his argument of “temperament”, and Russian Ukrainian scholar Agafangel Krymskii and his contention that the Sufi sect is a result of socio-economic conditions. Hodgson claims that Sufism was developed in order that people practice the piety which complements their temperament. Krymskii claims that an ascetic-mystical Sufism helped underprivileged people cope with the historical conditions of the Arab conquests. Kynsh then considers the various definitions of Sufism in the chapter, “What’s in a Name?” Sufis in Iran experience hostility from Shiites because of the latter’s belief that Sufism is related to Sunnism. Meanwhile, Western perceptions of Sufism are of a sophisticated and enchanting sect of Islam. This description creates an allure but “up-close-and-personal observation, if conducted in a noncommittal and unprejudiced manner, often results in stripping Sufism of its aura of mystery and exoticism” (40) ...