Islamic Sufism Unbound: Politics and Piety in Twenty-First Century Pakistan [Paperback]

Robert Rozehnal (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

Against the backdrop of the turbulent social and political landscape of today's Pakistan, Robert Rozehnal traces the ritual practices and identity politics of a contemporary Sufi order: the Chishti Sabiris. He does so from multiple perspectives: from the rich Urdu writings of twentieth century Sufi masters, to the complex spiritual life of contemporary disciples and the order's growing transnational networks. Drawing on new textual and ethnographic research, this multi-dimensional and interdisciplinary study of the Sufi tradition challenges the prevailing models of academic scholarship.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Neither institutional Sufism nor Pakistani politics have ever been put in direct conversation as nimbly as they are in this masterful study by Robert Rozehnal. Few who care about identity politics or Muslim religious vitality- beyond the headlines of extremism or Islamism - can ignore this well crafted, and insightful, book."--Bruce Lawrence, Nancy & Jeffrey Marcus Humanities Professor of Islamic Studies and Director, Duke Islamic Studies Center

 

"Islamic Sufism Unbound is a pathbreaking analysis of the role of religion and mysticism in the contemporary world. The story of the Sabiri Chishti Sufi order and its engagements with modernity and the nation-state is absorbing and in many respects surprising. Robert Rozehnal draws upon detailed ethnographic accounts as well as an extensive knowledge of the Sufi tradition to present this important case study of Sufism and Islam today."--Carl W. Ernst, William R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill  

 

"Islamic Sufism Unbound is a tour de force that unravels the multiple layers of spiritual practice in modern Muslim societies. Rozenhal shows the salience of religious practices in modern urban centers in south Asia and beyond and how it impacts various aspects of human life from intimate personal meditations to the most exuberant public performances; how religious practices frame both nationalism and transnational identities and how it tangibly impacts politics and economics. Throughout the Muslim world there are many figures and communities similar to those examined in this wonderfully written book, which deserve great scholarly and public attention in order to further the public understanding of transnational Islam. Rozehnal has paved a way forward with the commendable critical insights he sheds on the subject matter in order to illuminate the complexity of religious practice."-- Ebrahim Moosa, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, Duke University and Associate Director, Duke Islamic Studies Center

About the Author

Robert Rozehnal is Assistant Professor, Department of Religious Studies, Lehigh University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 286 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; First Edition edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0230618960
• ISBN-13: 978-0230618961
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #343,971 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > History > Asia > Pakistan

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars original and exciting window on Sufi practice and Pakistani politics, August 17, 2007

By 

student of life - See all my reviews

This review is from: Islamic Sufism Unbound: Politics and Piety in Twenty-first Century Pakistan (Hardcover)

Rozehnal's book is a compelling account of a 20th century Sufi order. He takes the reader behind the scenes, showing how personalities, histories, and politics interweave with rituals and belief structures that have been passed down from master to disciple for many generations. This is an essential read for anyone interested in Sufi practice or the role of Sufism in Pakistani politics. The book also provides in depth profiles of three modern Sufi masters in the Chishti Sabiri order, each with a different emphasis in his teachings and philosophy and very different personalities - including one British man who converted to Islam and rose through the spiritual ranks to the level of a teaching shaikh. Rozehnal deepens the book with rich ethnographic detail from many interviews with current disciples, bringing to life the experience of being a Sufi in modern Pakistan.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary Islamic Pakistan, October 21, 2007

By 

R Rivers - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Islamic Sufism Unbound: Politics and Piety in Twenty-first Century Pakistan (Hardcover)

The author clearly did a thorough study of the history of Sufism and then proceeded to present a comprehensive review of Sufism in contemporary Pakistan. He treated the Sufis with great respect and understanding in his many personal interviews. A must read for anyone wanting to be informed of Islam in present day Pakistan.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Model of Scholarship, August 22, 2007

By 

B. Pinaire (Glenside, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Islamic Sufism Unbound: Politics and Piety in Twenty-first Century Pakistan (Hardcover)

This is the best book I have read on Sufism. Rozehnal is to be applauded for wading into controversial and dangerous waters and producing a first-rate study that should serve as a model for scholars in a variety of fields. According to the biographical information given, he teaches in a Department of Religious Studies, but he is clearly just as fluent in politics, anthropology, and history. This is an absolute "must read" for anyone interested in this region.