Sufi heirs of the Prophet

By Arthur F. Buehler

Book Description

Arthur F. Buehler presents a fascinating examination of how spiritual authority develops and transforms within Islamic mystical traditions. Through careful study of the Naqshbandiyya lineage during colonial India, this scholarly work reveals the intricate ways that Sufi masters have cultivated and maintained their influential roles as spiritual guides.

The author identifies four distinct wellsprings of personal authority that shaped these mystical leaders: their connection to established spiritual lineages, their inner journeys of mystical experience, their embodiment of prophetic qualities, and their role as transmitters of sacred knowledge. By analyzing these interconnected elements, Buehler illuminates how Sufi practitioners have historically drawn upon the profound symbolic power of Prophet Muhammad to establish their credibility as spiritual teachers.

This exploration offers valuable insights into the dynamics of religious leadership and the mechanisms through which spiritual authority operates in Islamic societies. Rather than presenting abstract theories, the work grounds its analysis in the concrete historical development of one significant Sufi order, making complex concepts accessible to readers seeking to understand mystical traditions.

For those interested in spiritual leadership, religious authority, or the evolution of mystical practices, this study provides a thoughtful lens through which to examine how sacred traditions adapt and maintain their relevance across changing cultural landscapes.