Pathology of Sufism during the Mongol Era: A Comparative Analysis of Two Research Perspectives

Pathology of Sufism during the Mongol Era: A Comparative Analysis of Two Research Perspectives

Sufism represents the inner and spiritual dimension of Islam, a religionacterized by its multifaceted nature. Scholars, including jurists, focus on its external aspects, while theologians explore its rational elements; conversely, Sufis delve into the realms of inner spirituality and mystical experience. Furthermore, Sufism is also amenable to investigation as a social movement, with numerous Orientalists and historians devoting their research to this topic. The history of Sufism in Iran has been marked by significant fluctuations, leading to both transformative and fundamental changes over time. 

During the seventh century AH, coinciding with the Mongol invasion of Iran, Sufism encountered one of the most pivotal periods in its history. At this juncture, it was simultaneously experiencing remarkable growth and flourishing while also facing a precarious declineacterized by various forms of deterioration. Noteworthy manifestations of the challenges confronting Sufis included populism, hypocrisy, ostentation, excessive wealth accumulation, moral decay, corruption, and ultimately fragmentation. 

Contemporary researchers examining the social functions of Sufism within this intellectual-social movement often adopt two contrasting or potentially opposing perspectives. Some scholars contend that the ascetic teachings of Sufis led individuals to withdraw from worldly pursuits and prosperity, inadvertently facilitating the incursions of Genghis Khan's forces. Conversely, a more substantial segment of researchers maintains that the organizational structure and communal environment of the khanqah provided solace for the beleaguered populace of the Mongol era under the guidance and teachings of Sufi sheikhs. 

Shideh / M. Sadeghani