South Asian Sufis

With militant Salafists and Wahhabists dominating the headlines about Islam in the West, contemporary Sufism (the more mystical form of Islam) is not much discussed, even in relation to South Asia, which hosts both the largest Muslim population in the world and the greatest concentration of Sufis. Edited by Bennett (religious studies, State U. of New York at New Paltz, US) and Ramsey (director, U. Institute Center for Islamic Studies, India), this volume addresses that lacuna by presenting studies of active Sufi communities in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. In addition to examining Sufi religious and social practices throughout South Asia, some papers also consider topics outside a strict focus on the subcontinent, such as Sufi influences from Iran and the experiences of South Asian Sufi communities in Britain and North America. Key themes that emerge from the proceedings include spiritual practice, community bonds and social relationships, the issue of what is "traditional Islam," and interfaith openness. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Clinton Bennett teaches Religious Studies at the State University of New York at New Paltz, and at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA.