Sufism in Britain [Hardcover]

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 Britaincharts 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.

Ron Geavesis Professor of the Comparative Study of Religion at Liverpool Hope University, UK.

Theodore Gabrielis 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.

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: TheDawaof 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 Tariql“+