SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis is primarily concerned with the relationship between Sufism and curing. Other topics necessary to the understanding of this main area are additionally considered: an introduction is provided to Sufism per se, as an expression of Islamic mysticism; there is a consideration of the role of emotion in Sufism and particularly of love, which is also discussed with relevance to Middle Eastern society; then the main body of the thesis deals with the subject of Sufism and healing. This introduction explores theology and the history of Sufism, and also anthropologists' views of Sufism and its ritual. The chapter on emotion is included as a necessary comment on one aspect of the causation of psychiatric problems: emotionality. The main subject of the thesis guides this inclusion, as it explores in detail the healing of psychiatric illness by Sufis in the Middle East and North India, beginning with a discussion of Islamic cosmology and of psychiatric illness and spirit possession, and progressing on to consider the model of Sufism as psychotherapy. This explores the central notion of Sufism and curing with some comparisons with other types of indigenous psychiatric healing. Lastly baraka, that particularly Islamic notion of 'grace', 'blessing' or 'Spiritual power' is examined, as it is upon baraka's existence that Sufi healing power is based.