Overview

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.

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9780748694211

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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)

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) 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

"""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) ""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"

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

Author Information

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.

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