Salafi ritual purity
Book Description
In a world where Salafism is often misunderstood through the lens of political headlines, this groundbreaking study offers a profound alternative perspective by examining the deeply personal realm of ritual practice. Richard Gauvain redirects our attention away from sensationalized portrayals toward the intimate spiritual discipline of ritual purity, revealing how contemporary Salafi scholars approach these sacred practices with remarkable depth and innovation.
Through meticulous fieldwork in Cairo's religious communities, Gauvain bridges the often-separate worlds of anthropological observation and Islamic scholarship. His exploration of tahara, the Islamic concept of ritual purity, becomes a window into understanding how modern Egyptian Salafis navigate their spiritual lives through daily purification practices.
This work illuminates the rich diversity of thought and experience within contemporary Salafism, moving beyond oversimplified narratives to reveal a complex spiritual tradition focused on inner transformation through ritual discipline. By combining legal analysis with ethnographic insight, the author demonstrates how ritual purity serves as both a practical framework and a spiritual pathway for believers seeking authentic religious expression.
For readers interested in understanding how ancient spiritual practices adapt to modern contexts, this study offers valuable insights into the intersection of law, ritual, and personal devotion within one of Islam's most discussed yet least understood movements.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 383 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Egypt, social life and customs
- ✓ Explore Salafīyah
- ✓ Explore Ritual Purity
- ✓ Explore Middle east, ethnic relations
- ✓ Explore Rituals & Practice
- ✓ Explore Women in islam
- ✓ Explore Purity, ritual
- ✓ Explore Sunnites
