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

Robert Rozehnal traces the ritual practices and identity politics of a contemporary Sufi order in Pakistan: the Chishti Sabris. He takes 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.IntroductionSufism and the Politics of Islamic IdentityMuslim, Mystic and Modern: Three 20th Century Sufi MastersImagining Sufism: The Public Face of Chishti SabiriTeaching Sufism: Networks of Community and DiscipleshipExperiencing Sufism: Ritual Performance as Modern Praxis

'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, USA '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, USA '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 religlÓ+