Morals and Mysticism in Persian Sufism: A History of Sufi-Futuwwat in Iran

Ridgeon, L. (2010) Morals and Mysticism in Persian Sufism: A History of Sufi-Futuwwat in Iran. Series: Routledge Sufi series (10). Routledge: Abingdon. ISBN 9780415544344

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Abstract

Sufism is often understood to be the mystical dimension of Islam, and many works have focused on the nature of "mystical experiences" and the relationship between man and God. Yet Sufism was a human response to a wide range of contexts and circumstances; the fact that Sufis lived in society and interacted with the community necessitating guidance on how to behave. This book examines the development of Persian Sufism, showing it to be a practical philosophy of the everyday rather than just a metaphysical phenomena. The author explores the ethic of futuwwat (or jawanmardi), an Iranian code of honour that emphasised loyalty, humility, generosity and bravery. Although inevitably some Sufis spiritualised this code of honour and applied it to their own relationship with God, the ethic continued to permeate Sufi behaviour on a more mundane level, typified by the strong links between Sufis and certain trades. Drawing on field research in Iran, as well as detailed analysis of both Arabic and Persian texts and new materials that have been published in Iran in recent years, this is the first book in English to provide a history of Persian Sufi-futuwwat, As such, this book is an important contribution to the study of Persian Sufism, and to the fields of Islam, history and religion.

Item Type:Books
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ridgeon, Dr Lloyd
Authors: Ridgeon, L.
Subjects:B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
Publisher:Routledge
ISBN:9780415544344
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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
484161Javanmardi and Persian SufismLloyd RidgeonArts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)AH/G004617/1CRIT - THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES