Hidden or Forbidden, Elected or Rejected: Sufism as ‘Islamic Esotericism’?
Islam and Christian–Muslim Relations February 19, 2018 DOI: 10.1080/09596410.2018.1437945 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 16 |
| Key points | Argues that the widespread conception of Sufism as equivalent to 'Islamic esotericism' is a construct shaped by Western romanticist and modern reifications and by Islamic reformist approaches, and that this equation should be problematized through historical and contemporary examples. The article also considers possible pros and cons of greater interchange between Islamic Studies and the academic study of Western esotericism. |
Abstract
The article analyses the background of a popular conception of Sufism as equivalent to ‘Islamic esotericism’ by tracing two different but sometimes confluent currents: reifications of Sufism within Western romanticist and modern environments, and the approach to it in Islamic reformist movements. A further aim is to nuance and problematize such understandings, making use of examples from both historical and contemporary Sufism. Finally, the article briefly discusses possible pros and cons related to the interbreeding of Islamic Studies and the academic studies of Western esotericism.