Sufism in an Age of transition: ʻUmar al-Suhrawardī and the Rise of the Islamic Mystical Brotherhoods (Islamic History and Civilization)

Although the early thirteenth century was a critical period in the development of Sufism, it has received little scholarly attention. Based on heretofore unexplored sources, this book examines a pivotal figure from this period: the scholar, mystic, statesman, and eponym of one of the earliest ṭarīqa lineages, ʿUmar al-Suhrawardī. In situating Suhrawardī's life work in its social, political, and religious contexts, this book suggests that his universalizing Sufi system was not only enmeshed within a broader economy of Muslim religious learning, but also furnished social spaces which allowed for novel modes of participation in Sufi religiosity. In doing so, this book provides a framework for understanding the increasingly ubiquitous presence of intentional Sufi communities and institutions throughout the late-medieval Islamic world. Although The Early Thirteenth Century Was A Critical Period In The Development Of Sufism, It Has Received Little Scholarly Attention. Based On Heretofore Unexplored Sources, This Book Examines A Pivotal Figure From This Period: The Scholar, Mystic, Statesman, And Eponym Of One Of The Earliest Tariqa Lineages, 'umar Al-suhrawardi. In Situating Suhrawardi's Life Work In Its Social, Political, And Religious Contexts, This Book Suggests That His Universalizing Sufi System Was Not Only Enmeshed Within A Broader Economy Of Muslim Religious Learning, But Also Furnished Social Spaces Which Allowed For Novel Modes Of Participation In Sufi Religiosity. In Doing So, This Book Provides A Framework For Understanding The Increasingly Ubiquitous Presence Of Intentional Sufi Communities And Institutions Throughout The Late-medieval Islamic World.--jacket. By Erik S. Ohlander. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [321]-337) And Indexes.