Sufi studies in contemporary Egypt and the contributions of Abu al-Ela Afifi

Sufism has a deep-seated history in Egypt. One of the most valuable characteristics that draws one's attention is that Egypt has embraced many important Sufis throughout its history, primarily Dhul-Nun al-Misrī. Egypt witnessed the development of many sufi orders (tariqas), and most importantly the poles of the four orders: the Shadhilī order, the Dasuqī order, the Badawī order, and the Qadirī order. At the same time, Egyptian territory was a haven for the Khalwati order, the Bektashi order, and the Naqshbandī order in its region. Many institutions (Zawiya) and shrines (Dharih) which were spread across Egypt and bequeathed by the Sufi leaders have turned into hubs for festivals and Sufis rituals. Deriving from both popular and academic studies, this thesis, which consists of two chapters, deals with Sufism studies in modern Egypt. In the first chapter entitled "Sufism in contemporary Egypt", a brief evaluation is made within the context of the historical development of the institutions and individuals of Sufism in Egypt. Subsequently, the functions, duty and institutional history of "al-Majlis al-a'lā li't-turuq al-sūfiyya" (the Supreme Council of Sufi Orders) in modern Egypt is discussed. Additionally, the prominent orders and their activities in this period are examined in terms of both their cultural and social aspects. In the last heading under this section, the addition of Sufism to universities' curriculums in Egypt and it becoming a subject of research is tackled, while the famous academicians in Sufi studies such as Mustafa 'Abd al-Rāzık and figures in his circle like Abd al-Rahmān Badawī, Ali Sāmī Al-Nashshar, Abū Al-Wafā Al-Taftazānī and the contexts they highlight in their works are analyzed. In the second chapter entitled "The contributions of Abū al-'Alā' 'Afīfī", we take a look at Abū al-'Alā' 'Afīfī, who is one of the prominent names when it comes to Sufism studies in Egypt. Under this heading, Abū al- 'Alā' 'Afīfī's life and works are discussed in detail; the Sufi themes highlighted in his works and the details of Ibn al-'Arabī studies are specifically clarified.