Sufism in Europe
Islam, Esotericism and the New Age

By (author) Francesco Piraino

ISBN13: 9781399536103

Imprint: Edinburgh University Press

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Published: 31/01/2026

Availability: Not yet available

Description
Sufism, the spiritual, mystical and esoteric dimension of Islam, is experiencing a renewal in the 21st century. Charismatic Sufi masters have been able to revitalise their language, attracting new disciples and going beyond their cultural-geographic framework. This book describes the development of Sufism in Western Europe, particularly in France and Italy, through extended empirical research based on participant observation in four Sufi orders. The author illustrates the different forms of hybridisation between the Islamic-Sufi tradition and Western esoteric discourses, in particular the Guenonian-Traditionalist and the New Age discourse. These hybridisations often involve the creation of new doctrines, rituals and organizational structures, and produce different universalist discourses, which imply different Sufi politics in Europe, such as a lack of interest due to an imminent eschatology, civic engagement, and metapolitical elitism.
  • Islamic worship, rites & ceremonies
  • Sufism & Islamic mysticism
  • General (US: Trade)
  • Professional & Vocational
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List Price: £29.99