Until recently; academic studies of Sufism have largely ignored the multiple ways in which Islamic mystical ideas and practices have developed in the modern period. For many specialists; Sufism was "on the way out" and not compatible with modernity. The present study of a twentieth-century Sufi revival in West Africa offers critical corrections to this misconception. Seesemann's work revolves around the emergence and spread of the "Community of the Divine Flood;" established in 1929 by Ibrahim Niasse; a leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi order from Senegal. Based on a wide variety of written sources and encounters with leaders and ordinary members of the movement; the book analyzes the teachings and practices of this community; most notably those concerned with mystical knowledge of God. It presents a vivid and intimate portrait of the community's formation in Senegal and its subsequent transformation into a veritable transnational movement in West Africa and beyond. Drawing on letters; poetry; hagiography; and testimonies of opponents of the movement; the book traces Niasse's spectacular ascension as the widely acclaimed "Supreme Saint of His Era" and shows how the various stages of his career intersect with the development of his mystical teachings. Seesemann makes a compelling case for studying Sufis and their literary production in their social and historical contexts; throwing light on a little known chapter of the intellectual and social history of Islam.
#2074220 in Books Johnston Douglas 2008-06-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x .70 x 9.10l; .97 #File Name: 0195367936296 pagesFaith Based Diplomacy Trumping Realpolitik
Review
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A trail-blazing book of growing significance... many years onBy C P SlaytonOn the high notes; this book takes a good look at the background to a few religiously loaded conflicts: Palestine; Kashmir; Sri Lanka. Religion has not been taken seriously; especially by those who think religion is foolish and would rather sweep it under the rug in favor of 'extremist' language.Interestingly; Sri Lanka has since died down; not due to religious negotiation but the death of a leader; realism again gets the spotlight. But did it have to be that way?The basic idea of studying and understanding religion in Foreign policy is sound. Foreign policy has not dealt very well with religion and this is understandable considering the cultural; American value of religion and state separation.This book does well in saying that religion cannot be ignored and cannot just be regarded as 'foolish' or even misinterpreted by its users. It must be respected according to the interpretations of its sects. On the other hand; this book seems to advocate that the solution to conflict is to support the middle ground; the watered down; syncretic; non-orthodox version of all faiths.There is a problem with this notion. To rally for the 'sufi' or 'universal' equivalent of faiths within a conflict is to reject the sacred scriptures in many cases. Indeed; in the end; the authors call for a re-interpretation of Shar'ia in order to make it more accommodating. It's hard to find a solution using religion without compromising theology from any orthodoxy.23 of 24 people found the following review helpful. Award-Winner; Mind-Altering Information; Useful; ScholarlyBy Robert David STEELE VivasLet's start with the award. I was so impressed with this book that it received one of the ten Golden Candle Awards for most constructive and innovative work in the Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) field. It represents the second book in a body of work that may eventually be worthy of a Nobel Peace Prize. The citation reads:To Dr. Douglas M. Johnston; president and founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy; for his path-finding efforts with regard to Preventive Diplomacy as well as Religion and Conflict Resolution. Among his many works; two stand out for defining a critical missing element in modern diplomacy: Religion; the Missing Dimension of Statecraft (Oxford University Press; 1994); and Faith-based Diplomacy: Trumping Realpolitik (Oxford University Press; 2003). He has restored the proper meaning of faith qua earnestness instead of faith qua zealotry; and this is a contribution of great importance.With a foreword by no less than The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton; today a leader of the 9-11 Commission; the book drives a stake in the heart of secular "objective" negotiation and focuses on how faith (not zealotry; but earnest faith) can alter the spiral of violence in such places as Sudan; Kashmir; and the Middle East.The editor and contributing author has assembled a multi-national and multi-religion cast of experts whose work in the aggregate completely supports the premise of the book: that the 21st Century will be about religion instead of ideology; and that what hopes we might have for reconciling "irreconcilable differences" lie in the balanced integration of religious dialog and conflict prevention; rather than in pre-emptive military action and unilateralist bullying.I found two core concepts especially relevant to national security: the first is that we need an Office of Religious and Cultural Intelligence within the Central Intelligence Agency; and we need; as the authors suggest; to put religious attaches into every Embassy. The second; and this is a truly core concept; is "The price of freedom is cultural engagement--taking the time to learn how others view the world; to understand what is important to them; and to determine what can realistically be done to help them realize their legitimate aspirations."This is a brilliant; scholarly; practical; world-changing book. It joins Max Manwaring's various books; but especially "The Search for Security;" Joe Nye's earlier books on understanding the world and engaging the world with soft power; and George Soros as well as the several other books on my standard national security reading list. The conclusion of the book lists a number of means by which religion can impact on diplomacy and state-craft; and I for one have become a believer--this book completely altered my perspective on the role of religion as a peacemaker of substance and day-to-day practicality.16 of 18 people found the following review helpful. Why don't you own this book?!!By A CustomerFaith-based Diplomacy; Trumping Realpolitik offers a fresh perspective on how to deal with religious militancy. It goes beyond traditional notions of power politics to get at the heart and soul of how to deal with religious terrorism; thus superseding in effectiveness Washington-centric notions of guns and missiles. The creativity of the authors offers much grist for policymakers to "think outside the box" of how traditional power politics are conducted and offers new insights into the process of conflict transformation. A very interesting; insightful; and helpful book for the politician; religious leader and educated layperson.
