Organizational Patterns and Developments within Sufi Communities

Abstract

This chapter surveys some of the major developments in the organizational history of Sufi communities from the 13th to the 15th century, a period during which structured ‘orders’ began to emerge, the reach of Sufi thought and practice extended into substantially wider social circles, and new understandings of the relationship between the Sufi master and various sorts of disciples and followers were cemented in the thought, practice, and social ‘outreach’ of Sufi groups. Emphasizing the ongoing complexity and diversity of modes of organization found among Sufi circles during this period, and the continued importance of hereditary, rather than initiatic, succession in the leadership of Sufi communities, the chapter also considers the intellectual underpinnings of the expanded social profile forged by many Sufi groups of this era, as well as the impact of the Mongol conquests, and of eventual Mongol patronage, on the social roles of Sufi communities.

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