The Sanctity of Saints
June 9, 2026 DOI: 10.4324/9781003658214-6 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Keywords | Islam Politics Emulation Capital architecture Theology Religious studies |
| Key points | Argues that both Abdullah Ansari and Serge de Beaurecueil embraced an expression of sanctity on the edge, apparently disruptive yet authentic and transparent to the divine presence, drawing on the Sufi distinction between drunk and sober mysticism. |
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.