Charismatic Leadership in Islam

CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Exploring the Field 11

The Centrality of the Shaikh 33

The Theological Dimension of Guidance 51

The Practical Dimension of Guidance 63

Conclusion: The Study of Human Being as a Personal Journey 79

Bibliography 87

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dejan Aždajić (PhD OCMS) is actively engaged in Muslim‐Christian relations and is currently a Professor at the Giessen School of Theology in Germany. He believes that the theoretical study of religion greatly benefits from an honest encounter between actual human beings who practice their faith. He is happily married and has a young son.

To understand Islam, one must understand the people who practice their faith. Consequently, this book is a detailed ethnographic study of two contemporary Sufi communities. It explores the perplexing range of theological and ritual variation, arguing for a direct correlation between Sufi multiformity and the agency of the spiritual leader, the Shaikh. He is principally responsible for shaping the community under his leadership.

A fine example of ethnography among two Sufi centres in Sarajevo – this research adds not just to our understanding of the diversity of lived Islam but also the critical role charismatic leaders play in shaping the practice and theology of communities affiliated with them.
Dr David Emmanuel Singh, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

Dejan Aždajić invites the reader to join him on an ‘insider’ journey into the heart of Sufi Islam as it is practiced in Bosnia. This is a fascinating and wonderful piece of research that opens horizons for further important dialogue with both Sufi mysticism and the role of Shaikh (the spiritual leader of the community) in Eastern Europe.
Bill Prevette, AGWM Europe and Vanguard University

This work gives fascinating close‐up pictures of the roles of two Sufi leaders. It is arresting both for the two stories themselves, and for the stark differences between them.
Martin Whittingham, Director, The Centre for Muslim‐Christian Studies, Oxford