The Popularisation of Sufism in Ayyubid and Mamluk Egypt, 1173-1325 - (Edinburgh Studies in Classical Islamic History and Culture) by Nathan Hofer

About the Book

This book is the first systematic investigation of how and why Sufism became extraordinarily popular across Egypt in the 12th - 14th centuries.

Book Synopsis

In the 12th - 14th centuries, Sufism ('Islamic mysticism') became extraordinarily popular across Egypt. Elites and non-elites, rulers and ruled, the wealthy and the poor, even Jews, all embraced a variety of Sufi ideas and practices. This book is the first systematic investigation of how and why this popularisation occurred. It surveys several Sufi groups, from different regions of Egypt, and details how each of them promulgated, performed, and popularised their specific Sufi doctrines and practices. This popularisation would have a profound impact on the Egyptian religious landscape and on the subsequent history of Islam more broadly.

From the Back Cover

'In this ground-breaking comprehensive study of Sufis in Egypt during the twelfth to fourteenth centuries, Hofer offers the first serious explanation of the popularisation of Sufism in the later middle period of Islamic history. This bold and innovative book, rich in both substance and theory, makes major advances in our understanding of medieval Sufism and deserves to be read widely by specialists and general readers alike.' Ahmet T. Karamustafa, University of Maryland A social, political and religious history of Sufism in Medieval Egypt After the fall of the Fatimid Empire in 1171 and the emergence of a new Sunni polity under the Ayyubids, Sufism came to extraordinary prominence in Egypt. The state founded and funded hospices to attract foreign Sufis and local charismatic Sufi masters appeared throughout Upper and Lower Egypt. Organised Sufi brotherhoods emerged in the urban centres of Cairo and Alexandria and even Jews took up the doctrines and practices of the Sufis. By the middle of the Mamluk period in the fourteenth century, Sufism had become massively popular. How and why did this popularisation happen? This book is the first to address the issue directly, surveying the social formation and histories of several different Sufi collectivities from the period. Nathan Hofer argues that the popularisation of Sufism during this time was the direct result of deliberate and variegated Sufi programmes of outreach, strategies of legitimation and performances of authority across Egypt. He shows that these programmes, strategies and performances are situated within the social and political contexts of the institutionalisation of Sufism, audience participation and Ayyubid and Mamluk state policies. Key Features - Offers a wide-ranging description of the variegated social landscape of Sufism in Ayyubid and early Mamluk Egypt - Presents a new theoretical model to describe the institutionalisation and popularisation of Sufism - Case studies of three different groups of Sufis in medieval Egypt track this institutionalisation and popularisation - A heuristic framework connects Sufism to larger social and political trends in medieval Egypt Nathan Hofer is Assistant Professor of Islam at the University of Missouri in Columbia. His research is broadly concerned with the social history of Sufism in the central Islamic lands, with a particular emphasis on exploring the relationship between social formation and textual production. Cover image: 'Abu el-Haggag R01' by Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) - Own work. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons Cover design: Paul Smith Design [EUP logo] www.euppublishing.com

Review Quotes

A very valuable addition to the history of Sufism during a critical juncture in its history. It is exceptionally clear, while also maintaining a thorough engagement with theoretical literature. The mapping of the different Sufi paths is particularly constructive.--Yossef Rapoport "ILAHIYAT STUDIES, A Journal on Islamic and Religious Studies"

An excellent study of Sufism in medieval Egypt, especially its social and political contexts.--Emil Homerin "Journal of Sufi Studies"

In this ground-breaking comprehensive study of Sufis in Egypt during the 12th-14th centuries, Hofer offers the first serious explanation of the popularization of Sufism in the later middle period of Islamic history. This bold and innovative book, rich in both substance and theory, makes major advances in our understanding of medieval Sufism and deserves to be read widely by specialists and general readers alike.-- "Ahmet T. Karamustafa, University of Maryland"

With its eloquent argumentation and wealth of supporting detail, Nathan Hofer's highly readable monograph marks a major contribution to our understanding of one of the medieval Islamic world's most intriguing social phenomena. As such, it deserves the attention of specialists and general readers alike.--Richard Todd, University of Edinburgh "ISLAM AND CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM RELATIONS"

About the Author

Nathan Hofer received his Ph.D. from the Graduate Division of Religion at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is currently Assistant Professor of Islam in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. His research is broadly concerned with the social history of Sufism in the central Islamic lands, with a particular emphasis on exploring the relationship between social formation and textual production.