Sufism has not only survived into the twenty-first century but has experienced a significant resurgence
throughout the Muslim world. Sufism and the 'Modern' in Islam offers refreshing new perspectives on this
phenomenon, demonstrating surprising connections between Sufism and Muslim reformist currents, and the vital
presence of Sufi ideas and practices in all spheres of life. Contrary to earlier theories of the modernization
of Muslim societies, Sufi influence on the political, economic and intellectual life of contemporary Muslim
societies has been considerable. Although less noticed than the resurgence of radical Islam, Sufi orders and
related movements involve considerably larger numbers of followers, even among the modern urban middle classes.

This innovative study brings together new comparative and interdisciplinary research to show how Sufis have
responded to modernization and globalization and how various currents of Islamic reform and Sufism have
interacted. Offering fascinating new insights into the pervasive Sufi influence on modern Islamic religiosity
and contemporary political and economic life, this book raises important questions about Islam in the age of
urbanism and mass communications.

About the Author

Martin van Bruinessen is Professor of Islamic Studies at Utrecht University and the International Institute
for the Study of Islam in the Modern World (ISIM), both in the Netherlands.

Julia Day Howell is Associate Professor in Asian Studies at Griffith University and Deputy Director of the
Griffith Asia Institute (Brisbane, Australia).

Download File Size:4.11 MB

---