Sufism and politics in contemporary Egypt: a study of Sufi political engagement in the pre and post-revolutionary reality of January 2011

Ladjal, Tarek and Bensaid, Benaouda (2014) Sufism and politics in contemporary Egypt: a study of Sufi political engagement in the pre and post-revolutionary reality of January 2011. Journal of Asian and African Studies, xx (xx). pp. 1-9. ISSN 0021-9096 (In Press)

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Abstract

Experts on Sufi movements relegate a rather significant and critical role for Sufism in the formation of redefined political forces on the new post-Arab Spring political map. This is particularly true for one of the most vibrant Sufi capitals of the Muslim world, Egypt, holding a record sum of more than 10 million Sufi members. In spite of this, however, one year after the Revolution in Egypt, political developments exhibited a pattern of failure of Sufis gaining political ground in the post-Mubarak political arena. This paper discusses contentions and problematic issues Sufis faced with respect to politics in Egypt, with particular focus given to their political experience in Egypt. This study seeks to explore the Sufi experience throughout the process of political struggle, while examining their contributions to the November 2011 elections in an attempt to unveil the factors culminating in their political setback in spite of their massive membership base, and the official favored support of the state, both on the local and international fronts. The study concludes that the nature of the Sufi practice itself contributed to a restraining of their political presence, in addition to their lack of political awareness, poor organization and populism, all of which acted critically toward creating a failed political journey for the Sufi orders in modern Egypt.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	6450/36858
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sufi orders, Arab Spring, Political Islam, Egyptian Revolution, Sufi movements
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc > BP1 Islam > BP173.5 Islam and world politics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of General Studies
Depositing User:	Dr Benaouda Bensaid
Date Deposited:	09 Jun 2014 10:03
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2014 10:03
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/36858

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