Constructing Islam on the Indus
The Material History of the Suhrawardi Sufi Order, 1200–1500 AD

This book deals with the medieval history of Islam in the Indus Valley.

Hasan Ali Khan (Author)

9781107062900, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 August 2016

300 pages
23.9 x 15.7 x 2 cm, 0.6 kg

'Bringing together textual, architectural and ethnographic sources in a highly original way, this book makes an argument that will redefine the way we understand early Muslim history in South Asia. Focusing on the esoteric dimension of discourse during this period, Hasan Ali [Khan]'s careful reading of words, symbols and practices reveals the existence of an extraordinary and hitherto uncharted world of religious and sectarian relations in the Indus Valley, underlining its heterodox nature in particular. Against the received story of Islamic conquest and orthodoxy, he offers us a nuanced and sophisticated narrative of cross-cutting allegiances and intertwined knowledges that serves as a virtuoso demonstration of how medieval historians should approach their work.' Faisal Devji, University of Oxford

This book represents the first serious consideration of Ismaili-Shia esotericism in material and architectural terms, as well as of pre-modern conceptions of religious plurality in rituals and astrology. Sufism has long been reckoned to have connections to Shi'ism, but without any concrete proof. The book shows this connection in light of current scholarly work on the subject, historical sources, and most importantly, metaphysics and archaeological evidence. The monuments of the Suhrawardi Order, which are derived from the basic lodges set up by Pir Shams in the region, constitute a unique building archetype. The book's greatest strength lies in its archaeological evidence and in showing the metaphysical commonalities between Shi'ism/Isma'ilism and the Suhrawardi Sufi Order, both of which complement each other. In addition, working on premise and supposition, certain reanalysed historical periods and events in Indian Muslim history serve as added proof for the author's argument.

List of figures
Foreword Francis Robinson
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. The Suhrawardi Order
2. Shams
3. The Suhrawardi Order in Uch
4. The Wilayat of 'Ali in Twelver Shi'ism, Sufism and 123 the religion of the medieval Isma'ilis
5. Multan
6. The Da'wa and Suhrawardi monuments at Uch
Conclusion
Glossary
Notes on referencing
Bibliography
Interviews and fieldwork
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Islamic studies [JFSR2], Islam [HRH]