Description
Book SynopsisAtta Muhammad is Lecturer at Talim-ul-Islam College, Pakistan. He holds PhD from the University of Leeds, UK.
Trade ReviewA fascinating study and snapshot into civic life in medieval Baghdad. * Middle East Monitor *
In this first comprehensive study of Sufism in medieval Baghdad, Atta Muhammad offers an insightful interrogation of the pivotal role played by Sufis, who worked for the common good alongside members of various segments of society, in the public sphere of the city during the late Abbasid period. Rich in substance and theory, this book advances our understanding of the concept, creation, nature, and operation of a vibrant and inclusive public sphere in medieval Islamic societies and the significance of Sufi agency therein beyond the temporal and spatial specifics. * Daphna Ephrat, Professor of Islamic and Near Eastern History, The Open University of Israel *
This is an interesting and, in many ways, original book. It feeds into the growing body of literature which pushes back against the "orientalist" idea that medieval Muslim rulers were absolute and arbitrary dictators who had no sustained or fruitful interactions with their subjects. Instead Atta Muhammad shows how the Sufis were among a number of groups who articulated and represented popular concerns and, at least on some occasions, stood up to and confronted rulers and their ill-disciplined soldiery. * Hugh Kennedy, Professor of Arabic, SOAS University of London, UK *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Transliteration and Dates Introduction Chapter 1 The Concept of the Public Sphere in Medieval Islamic Societies
Chapter 2 Spaces for the Public Good in Medieval Islamic Societies
Chapter 3 Baghdad in the Late Abbasid Caliphate
Chapter 4 The
Ribat: An Institution of the Public Sphere
Chapter 5 Sufis’ Relations with the Ruling Authorities and their Contribution to the Public Sphere
Conclusion Appendix: Maps and tables Bibliography
