Sufi Women and Mystics: Models of Sanctity, Erudition, and Political Leadership

This book explores the significant contributions of six mystic Sufi women to Islamic spirituality, highlighting their lives and works. It aims to address the sidelining of Sufi women in academic literature and showcases their contributions as political leaders, scholars, and exemplars of sanctity. Their writings and influence on mystical discourse, hagiography, religious language, and models of religious authority have secured their legacies in Islamic orthopraxis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the profound and significant contributions of women to Sufism, a rich and ancient Islamic tradition. By examining the lives and seminal contributions of six mystic Sufi women, the author aims to rectify the marginalization of Sufi women in the academic literature. The author has carefully chosen a diverse group of figures from various Islamic dynasties, each with their unique backgrounds, social status, and spiritual contributions. Through a historical lens that pays attention to specific political contexts, readers are introduced to the remarkable achievements of Umm Ali al-Balkhī and Fātima of Nishāpūr in the ninth-century Khurāsān, Aisha al-Mannūbiyya of the Hafsid dynasty in Ifrīqya, Aisha al-Bā‘ūnīyya of the Mamlūk dynasties of Egypt and Syria, the Mughal princess Jahan Ara Begum, and the daughter of the Caliph of Sokoto, Nana Asmau.

It is argued that these ascetic and Sufi women were not only recognized by their male and female peers but also became political leaders in their communities. Their profound knowledge, holiness, and erudition earned them the highest esteem and respect. These women's works not only influenced mystical discourse but also had a lasting impact on hagiographical writings, religious language, and models of religious authority. Their legacies continue to shape the spiritual landscape of Islam to this day.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Sufism and Sufi history, as well as for those seeking to explore the understudied topic of Muslim women's spirituality. It offers a deep understanding of the role of women in Islamic tradition and provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Sufi thought and practice. By highlighting the contributions of these remarkable women, the book contributes to a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of Islamic heritage.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032433073