SufismSociety:Origins-Mdrnty

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course will offer a social and intellectual history of Sufism in all its major aspects. We will begin with a survey of Sufism's formative period from the 9th to 12th centuries CE, examining the emergence of key Sufi doctrines and practices as well as the formation of the first Sufi communities around accomplished masters. We will then trace the rise to social prominence of the Sufi mode of piety during and after the 12th century in the form of Sufi orders as well as the reaction of nonconformist Sufis to such increasing social success. Along the way, we will also consider such related issues as conversion to Islam, Islamization of originally non-Islamic beliefs and practices, and the relationship between popular religiosity and Sufism. We will also go into multiple geographical contexts, from the medieval Maghrib to South Asia, Time permitting, we will end with readings on contemporary Sufism, politics, and society.