Sufism (354-0-20)

Instructors

Brannon Dobbs Ingram
Crowe Hall 4-135

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 4-410: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course introduces Sufism, the ‘mystical' tradition of Islam. After critically examining the concept of ‘mysticism' within Religious Studies, we will examine the historical origins of Sufism, its emergence from and relationship to foundational discourses within Islam, its engagement with the Qur'an, and the figure of the Prophet Muhammad in Sufi devotions. We will then investigate notions of ‘sainthood' in Islam, the roles of Sufism in popular Muslim piety, the centrality of the body and bodily disciplines in Sufi practice, and the critique and defense of Sufism in the context of colonialism. The course will offer a broad introduction to the historical and geographic range of Sufism in Islam, but will give special attention to Sufi traditions in the Indian subcontinent. We will conclude with critical reflections on the place of Sufism in contemporary Islam.

Class Materials (Required)

- Carl W. Ernst, Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam, 2nd edition (Shambhala, 2011)
- Carl W. Ernst and Bruce B. Lawrence, Sufi Martyrs of Love: The Chishti Order in South Asia And Beyond (Palgrave Macmillan, 2002)
- Carl W. Ernst, ed. and trans. Teachings of Sufism (Shambhala, 1999)
- Nile Green, Sufism: A Global History (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012)
- Farid ud-din Attar, Conference of the Birds, Afkham Darbandi and Dick Davis, trans. (Penguin, 2011)

Class Attributes

Ethics & Values Distro Area