Inter-religious Practices and Saint Veneration in the Muslim World: Khidr/Khizr from the Middle East to South Asia

Inter-religious Practices and Saint Veneration in the Muslim World explores the veneration of the immortal saint Khidr/Khizr, a mysterious prophet and popular multi-religious figure, across the Muslim world. The book offers a multi-disciplinary analysis of Khidr/Khizr's religious figure and practices, highlighting the unique character of the figure and the ways in which he allows a conversation between different religious cultures. It also examines vernacular Islamic piety and intercommunal religious practices and argues that Khidr/Khizr played a leading role in translating a religious tradition into the other. The study includes research from the Balkans to the Punjabs in Pakistan and India and will be of interest to researchers in History, Anthropology, Sociology, Comparative Religious Studies, History of Religion, Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, South Asian Studies, and Southeast European Studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Inter-religious Practices and Saint Veneration in the Muslim World delves into the enigmatic saint Khidr/Khizr, a revered figure across various religious traditions within the Muslim world. Spanning from the Middle East to South Asia, this comprehensive book offers a multi-disciplinary exploration of the subject. Through its chapters, it examines the diverse interpretations of Khidr/Khizr and highlights his unique characteristics, which are cherished by Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs alike. The book explores vernacular Islamic piety and intercommunal religious practices, emphasizing the ways in which Khidr/Khizr fosters dialogue between different religious cultures. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable case study for understanding the intricate interplay between universal and local aspects of religion. The contributors argue that Khidr/Khizr played a pivotal role in the translation of religious traditions, particularly through his association with other sacred characters. This study encompasses research from diverse regions, including the Balkans, Pakistan, and India, making it of interest to scholars in History, Anthropology, Sociology, Comparative Religious Studies, History of Religion, Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, South Asian Studies, and Southeast European Studies.

Weight: 700g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032478647