The Sufis of Britain

Book excerpt: Much of the literature in the field of Islamic Studies concentrates on the contemporary ideological reform movement. Sufism is usually perceived as an historical phenomenon and the literature focuses on the teachings of long-dead masters. However there is a strong case to argue that the dominant mode of Muslim belief and practice is still highly influenced by the Sufi tradition. Sufi orders are still flourishing in most parts of the Muslim world. Rural Muslims, if not actually practising Sufis, often focus their religious life around veneration to deceased saints from the various Sufi orders. This text explores the prevalance of the Sufi traditoin in Briatin. The migration process had brought Muslims to Britain from all over the world. Most of the major tariqas are present in this country and flourishing.