To understand Islam, one must understand the people who practice this faith. Consequently, this book is a detailed ethnographic study of two contemporary Sufi communities. It explores the perplexing range of theological and ritual variation, arguing for a direct correlation between Sufi multiformity and the agency of the spiritual leader, the Shaikh. He is principally responsible for shaping the community under his leadership.
This work gives fascinating close-up pictures of the roles of two Sufi leaders. It is arresting, both on account of the two stories themselves and due to the stark differences between them.
