What is it about?
The article discusses how women have assumed senior leadership roles with significant power in certain Islamic mystical traditions, despite Sufi orders traditionally being led by men. It calls for more research to understand the challenges Sufi women face in legitimizing their authority in patriarchal societies.
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Why is it important?
The study's importance lies in its efforts to challenge gender norms, deepen our understanding of women's leadership experiences in Sufi orders, and acknowledge the resilience and achievements of African Sufi feminist traditions. By shedding light on the contributions of women in these traditions, the research fosters a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the role of gender in religious leadership and opens up new avenues for future research and dialogue.
Perspectives
I hope you find this article useful as it sheds light on the often overlooked leadership roles of women within Sufi orders. It reinforces the importance of challenging traditional gender norms in religious contexts and highlights the resilience and achievements of Sufi women who have navigated societal challenges to establish their religious authority.
Professor Hamdy A. Hassan
Zayed University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Sufi Feminism, Journal of Religion in Africa, February 2023, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/15700666-12340258.
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