Knowledge before Action: Islamic Learning and Sufi Practice in the Life of Sayyid Jalal al-din Bukhari Makhdum-i Jahaniyan

Studies in Comparative Religion

by Amina M. Steinfels

In Knowledge before Action, Amina M. Steinfels examines medieval Sufism and its place in Islamic society by telling the story of the life and career of Sayyid Jalal al-din Bukhari, a revered figure in Pakistan. Considered one of the most important Sufi masters of South Asia, Sayyid Jalal al-din Bukhari, more popularly referred to as Makhdum-i Jahaniyan, is known for combining spirituality and scholarship in a formative period for Sufism. Steinfels assembles the details of Bukhari's life from records of his teachings, dynastic chronicles, and correspondence to discover how he achieved his status and laid the groundwork for a devotional cult that has lasted seven centuries. Steinfels also examines Bukhari's theories of the relationship between scholar and mystic. Bukhari's teachings provide windows into the underlying concerns and themes of medieval Sufism.

Knowledge before Action describes Bukhari's training as a scholar and a Sufi, his exercise of religious authority over his disciples, and his theories of the relationships between saint and shaykh. Knowledge before Action discusses ritual and contemplative practices, the economic bases of Sufi institutions, and the interconnectedness between Sufi masters, the 'ulama, and the political authorities by telling the story of Bukhari.

Genres: Islam

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great text on the Muslim scholar, poet, author, al Bukhari. Breaks down the Sufi/ulema distinction which has taken on great importance in recent years. She thinks that in historical terms, the distinction is not useful, and uses Bukhari as a prime example of someone with a foot in both worlds. The history of this thinker, along with his teachings, his politics and political role after the death of Tuglaq, his pilgrimages, and the rituals of his school are all examined. The book is vehement in denying the influence of Hindu thought on Al Bukhari, which I was a little skeptical of at times, but the author seems to be careful with sources and analysis so I have to accept it at least for the moment. Nevertheless it does bring up some interesting points regarding how south Asian religion in general proliferates and behaves, though it doesn't explicate this area of thought as much as I'd have wished.