FROM MOSQUES TO KHANQAHS The Origins and Rise of SUFISM AND SUFI INSITUTIONS

• Main Author: Spahic Omer (Author)
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Gombak Penerbit IIUM 2016
• Subjects: Sufism; Islam > Doctrines
• Online Access: Click Here to View Status and Holdings.

 This book critically examines the theme of the evolution of Sufism and Sufi institutions from the realm of the mosque institution, which since its inception functioned as a community development center, to independent and self-governing bodies and establishments which catered to the needs of the ever-proliferating Sufi community. The religious, social and educational functions of such institutions are scrutinized; as is their impact on the overall development of Islamic society and culture. The relationships between Sufi institutions and other Islamic socio-political, educational and religious institutions, such as mosques and madrasahs (schools or colleges), are also explored. As they are essential for properly conceptualizing and contextualizing Sufi establishments and their societal and cultural significance, the meaning and birth of the Sufism phenomenon and its division into authentic and pseudo, or theosophical, Sufism, are scrutinized in the first segment of the book. The study of the origins and rise of Sufism and Sufi institutions is very important as it helps us understand more than a few aspects of the identity of Islamic urbanism,