Sufism in Britain

This volume provides an objective analysis of current trends and developments in the beliefs and practices of Sufis in Britain. Sufism is a dynamic and substantial presence within British Muslim communities and is influencing both religious and political discourses concerning the formation of Islam in Britain. In the 21st century Sufis have re-positioned themselves to represent the views of a 'Traditional Islam', a non-violent 'other Islam', able to combat the discourses of radical movements. Major transformations have taken place in Sufism that illuminate debates over authenticity, legitimacy, and authority within Islam, and religion more generally. Through examining the theory and history involved, as well as a series of case studies, Sufism in Britain charts the processes of change and offers a significant contribution to the political and religious re-organisation of the Muslim presence in Britain, and the West.

Table of Contents:
PART 1: Theory 1. Expressions of Spirituality in Islam: Unity and diversity in Sufi thought and practice Theodore Gabriel and Ron Geaves 2. Transformation and Trends among British Sufis Ron Geaves 3. Universal Sufis in the UK: Sufism for Everyone? Roy Jackson PART II: History 4. Shaykh Abdullah Ali al-Hakimi, the ‘Alawi Tariqa and British-Yemenis Mohammad S Seddon, 5. Sufism in Britain: The Da‘wa of Shaykh ‘Abdalqadir as-Sufi Yasin Dutton 6. The One or the Many? Transnational Sufism and Locality in the British Budshishiyya Marta Dominguez-Diaz 7. Conversion Narratives among the Alami and Rifa’i Tariqa in Britain Julianne Hazen PART III: Case Studies 8. Online Sufism – Young British Muslims, their internet ‘selves’ and virtual reality Sariya Cheruvallil-Contractor 9. The Rise of the “Traditional Islam” Network(s): Neo-Sufism and British Muslim Youth Sadek Hamid 10. What is the Naqshbandi-Haqqani tariqa? Notes on Developments and a Critique of Typologies Simon Stjernholm 11. Reliving the ‘Classical Islam’: emergence and working of the Minhajul Quran movement in the UK Amer Morgahi 12. “Ours is not a caravan of despair”:the influence and presence of the Turkish Sunni Nurcu Movement of Hojaeffendi Fethullah Gülen in the UK Ian G. Williams Notes Bibliography Index

About the Author :
Ron Geaves is Professor of the Comparative Study of Religion at Liverpool Hope University, UK. Theodore Gabriel is Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Gloucestershire, UK, and Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the Bader International Study Centre of Queen’s University (Canada), at Hailsham, UK.

Review :
In this excellent volume experienced contributors present a nuanced picture of Sufism in England. They describe its engagement with classical culture and with modern Salafi and Wahhabi teachings, emerging as its own unique, contemporary and thoroughly Islamic phenomenon. A special treat for those interested in the adaptation of Islam to modern Western society, the volume offers an opportunity to better understand both the spiritual dimension and the lived circumstances of Sufism in Britain today. Sufism, which emphasises the universal love of God, has a wide appeal to Muslims and all seekers of the Divine, but is often ignored by the media. This scholarly and important book, which recalls the history of Sufism in Britain and describes its renewed vitality today, will redress the balance and encourage greater appreciation of the spiritual riches of Islam. This is an invaluable book. The contributors bring their observations, analysis and rigour to the study of Sufism in Britain in a single volume. A reader is comfortably carried from one experience to the next and in the process is able to assess Sufis’ changing interpretations and priorities, and the challenges they pose to other strands of thought as well as to normative Sufi self-understanding. The shared knowledge and insight the book offers merits a far reaching audience.