ABSTRACT
Sufis and Sufi orders have functioned as an alternative to other forms of social agency. Sufism as a ‘source of force’ in both social and political activity defines Sufi engagement in both contemporary and historical settings that offers an alternative to two others: the secular and conservative/radical Islamic traditions. Sufis were a leading example of Muslim faith, drawing their inspiration from the Prophet whom they saw as the perfect mystic. Yet none of this was to preclude Sufis from drawing inspirations from outside of Islam. The contribution of Sufis to the growing Muslim world gained converts for Islam and the perpetuation of the ever-expansive experience of Islam and what it means to be Muslim.
