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- Title
Re-energising recognised Sufi orders in Indonesia.
- Authors
Arifin, Achmad Zainal
- Abstract
This article explores a current development in recognised Sufi orders (tarekat muktabarah) in Indonesia in response to the emergence of relatively new forms of urban Sufism. These new forms ignore one or more of the main characteristics of conventional Sufism as manifest in the recognised orders. The way in which Habib Luthfi Yahya teaches the practice of conventional Sufism provides an example of how conventional Sufism has now become more open, simple and attractive, not only for elderly members, but also for younger participants. Habib Luthfi has re-energised conventional Sufism by redefining its teachings in more understandable terms for the ordinary people, promoting the importance of social engagement through nationalistic Sufism and employing musical instruments and other cultural means to attract younger participants. The popularity of Habib Luthfi and his Sufi order shows that the recognised orders can successfully adapt to dynamic changes in society and meet people's spiritual needs today. This suggests that conventional Sufism can continue to play a significant role in society without losing its basic features: embodiment in a tarekat (Sufi order), baiat (initiation), and on- going guidance by the initiating spiritual master.
- Subjects
INDONESIA; SUFIS; SUFISM; BAULS; DERVISHES
- Publication
RIMA: Review of Indonesian & Malaysian Affairs, 2012, Vol 46, Issue 2, p77
- ISSN
0815-7251
- Publication type
Article