The Sanctity of Saints

This chapter compares two figures, the Hanbali Sufi Abdullah Ansari of Herat (1006–1088) and the French Dominican friar Serge de Beaurecueil (1917–2005), using the Sufi distinction between "drunk" and "sober" mysticism. Both men embodied a disruptive yet authentic sanctity fully transparent to the divine presence. Al-Ansari rejected speculative theology and emulated Muhammad, suffering from theological opponents and political changes. De Beaurecueil studied Islam and, after a mystical experience at al-Ansari's tomb in Herat, worked with street children in Afghanistan's capital.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This chapter focuses on two “unruly friends of God”: the Hanbali Sufi, Abdullah Ansari of Herat (1006–1088), and the French Dominican friar, Serge de Beaurecueil (1917–2005). The comparison derives analytical insight from the classic Sufi distinction between “drunk” and “sober” mysticism. Both men in their historical and religious contexts embraced an expression of sanctity found on the edge, apparently disruptive and yet authentic and fully transparent to the divine presence. For al-Ansari this meant fierce rejection of speculative theology and steadfast emulation of Muhammad, and he suffered both from theological opponents and during political changes in his milieu. De Beaurecueil studied Islam and later found himself working with street children in Afghanistan’s capital after a mystical experience and call at the tomb of al-Ansari in Herat.