Sufis and scholars of the sea

By Anne K. Bang

Book Description

In the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, spiritual currents flowed alongside maritime trade routes, carrying profound teachings that would shape countless lives across distant shores. This scholarly exploration reveals how the Alawiyya, a distinctive Islamic spiritual brotherhood originating in Yemen's Hadramawt region, became a transformative force throughout coastal communities from Arabia to Southeast Asia.

At the heart of this narrative stands Ahmad b. Sumayt, a remarkable scholar whose influence extended far beyond traditional religious boundaries. Through meticulous research, Anne K. Bang illuminates how these Sufi practitioners served as cultural bridges in a world marked by extraordinary diversity, where multiple faiths, ethnicities, and traditions intersected under the pressures of European colonial expansion.

Rather than remaining isolated within their own communities, the Alawi teachers emerged as skilled mediators who navigated complex social landscapes while preserving and transmitting their spiritual heritage. Their approach to Islamic practice demonstrates how authentic spiritual traditions can adapt and flourish across different cultures without losing their essential character.

This work offers valuable insights for contemporary seekers interested in understanding how spiritual movements spread organically through personal relationships and cultural exchange. It reveals the sophisticated ways in which traditional Islamic scholarship engaged with the multicultural realities of the Indian Ocean world, providing a compelling example of how spiritual wisdom transcends geographical and cultural boundaries while maintaining its transformative power.