Sufism [2651]

General Information

• Credits: 6 ECTS
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's or Licence level (or equivalent); proficiency in English
• Learning format: asynchronous distance learning – 100% e-learning
• Language of instruction: English
• Course access: available at any time of year
• Disability liaison officer: Cécile Boucherle

Course Overview

This course offers an introduction to Sufism, the spiritual and mystical dimension of Islam, by presenting its history, key concepts, major figures, and practices. It shows that Sufism is at once a doctrine, an initiatory path, an ethical framework, and a spiritual experience, as notably illustrated by the tradition of the whirling dervishes. Particular attention is given to the anthropology of practices such as dhikr and semâʿ, as well as to the relationship between mysticism, history, and interreligious dialogue. The course thus provides the essential foundations for understanding the diversity of Sufism, its development within Islam, and its contribution to contemporary spiritual thought.

Course Objectives

This course enables you to:

• Understand the historical, doctrinal, and spiritual foundations of Sufism.
  
• Master the vocabulary, concepts, and principal figures of the Sufi tradition.
  
• Analyse Sufi practices, particularly dhikr, samāʿ, and the role of Sufi orders.
  
• Explain the main mystical doctrines and their development throughout the history of Islam.
  
• Assess the contribution of Sufism to interreligious dialogue and to the understanding of Muslim spirituality.

Course Competencies

This course is linked to the following competency:

• Understand Islamic law and give an account of the spiritual tradition of Islam.

Course Outline

Section 1 General overview and vocabulary issues
Section 2 Historical elements of Sufism
Section 3 Sufi practices
Section 4 Ecstasy or Mysticism in Sufism?
Section 5 Sufism, the Islam of the future

Assessment Methods 

Course assessment is based on:

• tracking and completion of the course and of all learning activities. These activities, designed as essential practice and learning exercises, may be completed multiple times and are not factored into the final grade,
• the final assessment quiz, which constitutes the graded evaluation.

Learning Format

The course is taught entirely online via the MyDomuni platform, accessible 24/7.
Learning resources include:

• written course materials;
• supplementary documents and, depending on the content, video resources;
• interactive learning activities (quizzes, exercises);
• a discussion forum with the course instructor and fellow participants.

Prerequisites

This course is open to anyone holding a Bachelor's degree or Licence (or an equivalent qualification) in theology, the humanities, social sciences, or a related field, or with significant personal or academic experience related to the topics covered.

A good command of written English is recommended to facilitate understanding of the content and participation in the activities offered.

Accessibility

The course is accessible at any time, from any internet-connected device, via the MyDomuni platform.
For students with disabilities, specific support can be arranged upon request to ensure equitable access to course content and activities. 

Disability liaison officer: cecile.boucherle@domuni.eu.

Selective Bibliography

• Annemarie Schimmel, Mystical Dimensions of Islam, New York, Oxford University Press, 1975 ; trad. fr., Le Soufisme ou les dimensions mystiques de l'Islam, Paris, Cerf, 1996.
• Éric Geoffroy, Initiation au soufisme, Paris, Fayard, 2003.
• Carl W. Ernst, The Shambhala Guide to Sufism. An Essential Introduction to the Philosophy and Practice of the Mystical Traditions of Islam, Boston/Londres, Shambhala, 1997.
• Alexandre Popovic et Gilles Veinstein (eds.), Les Voies d'Allah. Les ordres mystiques dans l'Islam des origines à aujourd'hui, Paris, Fayard, 1996.
• Georges C. Anawati et Louis Gardet, Mystique musulmane. Aspects et tendances – Expériences et techniques, Paris, Librairie philosophique J. Vrin, 2e éd., 1968.