Sacred Drift: Essays on the Margins of Islam by Laleh Khalili

Description

"Sacred Drift: Essays on the Margins of Islam" by Laleh Khalili is a thought-provoking and intellectually engaging collection of essays that explore the often overlooked and marginalized aspects of Islam and its cultural, political, and spiritual dimensions. Khalili, an accomplished scholar of Middle Eastern politics and Islamic studies, uses the concept of "sacred drift" as a metaphor to delve into the spaces where Islam intersects with broader social, political, and historical contexts, often in ways that challenge conventional narratives about the religion. The book's essays cover a wide array of topics, touching on themes such as the experiences of Muslim minorities, the intersection of Islam with modernity, and the ways in which Islam is shaped by, and responds to, external influences. Khalili critically examines the diverse and multifaceted nature of Islamic identity, arguing that Islam is not a monolithic entity but is instead shaped by a range of perspectives, practices, and beliefs that often exist on the margins of mainstream discourse. This "drifting" toward the margins, as the title suggests, allows for the exploration of Islam’s lesser-known and often suppressed histories, such as the experiences of Sufism, the influence of Islamic mysticism, and the contributions of Muslim intellectuals who have been overlooked by both Western and traditional Islamic thought. The essays also engage with contemporary issues such as the impact of colonialism on Muslim societies, the rise of political Islam, the ways in which Islam is politicized in the modern world, and the challenges of Islamic feminism. Khalili critiques the binary opposition often set up between Islam and the West, urging readers to reconsider Islam's diverse expressions and to engage with it beyond the confines of stereotypical portrayals in mainstream media. The book also touches on the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of Islam, exploring how individual Muslims engage with faith in ways that are often personal and nuanced, rather than strictly doctrinal. Khalili’s writing style is deeply reflective, drawing on her extensive academic research and personal insights, offering a nuanced understanding of Islam that challenges reductionist views. Through "Sacred Drift," Khalili invites readers to explore the pluralistic nature of Islam and to think critically about the relationships between religion, culture, politics, and identity. This collection of essays is an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of modern Islamic thought and the ways in which marginalized voices within Islam offer rich, alternative perspectives on faith and society. Ultimately, "Sacred Drift: Essays on the Margins of Islam" serves as a powerful call to examine Islam in all its diversity and to recognize the complexities and contradictions that shape the experiences of Muslims around the world. Khalili’s scholarly work enriches the conversation about Islam and invites readers to rethink their assumptions and broaden their understanding of a religion that is deeply intertwined with global history, politics, and culture.