About the book
Islam is often described as abstract, ascetic, and uniquely disengaged from the human body. Scott Kugle refutes this assertion in the first full study of Islamic mysticism as it relates to the human body. Examining Sufi conceptions of the body in religious writings from the late fifteenth through the nineteenth century, Kugle demonstrates that literature from this era often treated saints' physical bodies as sites of sacred power.
Sufis and Saints' Bodies focuses on six important saints from Sufi communities in North Africa and South Asia. Kugle singles out a specific part of the body to which each saint is frequently associated in religious literature. The saints' bodies, Kugle argues, are treated as symbolic resources for generating religious meaning, communal solidarity, and the experience of sacred power. In each chapter, Kugle also features a particular theoretical problem, drawing methodologically from religious studies, anthropology, studies of gender and sexuality, theology, feminism, and philosophy. Bringing a new perspective to Islamic studies, Kugle shows how an important Islamic tradition integrated myriad understandings of the body in its nurturing role in the material, social, and spiritual realms.
Editions of Sufis and Saints' Bodies
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807830819
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807857892
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807872772
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469602684
- EBook
- ISBN 9798893132519
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890881229
Read an Excerpt
Islam is often described as abstract, ascetic, and uniquely disengaged from the human body. Scott Kugle refutes this assertion in the first full study of Islamic mysticism as it relates to the human body. Examining Sufi conceptions of the body in religious writings from the late fifteenth through the nineteenth century, Kugle demonstrates that literature from this era often treated saints' physical bodies as sites of sacred power.
Sufis and Saints' Bodies focuses on six important saints from Sufi communities in North Africa and South Asia. Kugle singles out a specific part of the body to which each saint is frequently associated in religious literature. The saints' bodies, Kugle argues, are treated as symbolic resources for generating religious meaning, communal solidarity, and the experience of sacred power. In each chapter, Kugle also features a particular theoretical problem, drawing methodologically from religious studies, anthropology, studies of gender and sexuality, theology, feminism, and philosophy. Bringing a new perspective to Islamic studies, Kugle shows how an important Islamic tradition integrated myriad understandings of the body in its nurturing role in the material, social, and spiritual realms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sufis and Saints' Bodies about?
Islam is often described as abstract, ascetic, and uniquely disengaged from the human body. Scott Kugle refutes this assertion in the first full study of Islamic mysticism as it relates to the human body. Examining Sufi conceptions of the body in religious writings from the late fifteenth through the nineteenth century, Kugle demonstrates that literature from this era often treated saints' physical bodies as sites of sacred power.
Sufis and Saints' Bodies focuses on six important saints from Sufi communities in North Africa and South Asia. Kugle singles out a specific part of the body to which each saint is frequently associated in religious literature. The saints' bodies, Kugle argues, are treated as symbolic resources for generating religious meaning, communal solidarity, and the experience of sacred power. In each chapter, Kugle also features a particular theoretical problem, drawing methodologically from religious studies, anthropology, studies of gender and sexuality, theology, feminism, and philosophy. Bringing a new perspective to Islamic studies, Kugle shows how an important Islamic tradition integrated myriad understandings of the body in its nurturing role in the material, social, and spiritual realms.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Sufis and Saints' Bodies?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Islam > Islam: branches and groups > Islamic groups: Sufis
Where can I read a sample of Sufis and Saints' Bodies?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807830819
How long is Sufis and Saints' Bodies and how many pages does it have?
Sufis and Saints' Bodies has 368 page(s)
Is Sufis and Saints' Bodies part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Islamic Civilization and Muslim Networks
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Sufis and Saints' Bodies?
Scott Kugle
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Sufis and Saints' Bodies is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807830819) and paperback(ISBN 9780807857892) and ebook(ISBN 9780807872772) and ebook(ISBN 9781469602684) and ebook(ISBN 9798893132519) and pdf(ISBN 9798890881229)
Where can I buy Sufis and Saints' Bodies online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Sufis and Saints' Bodies?