Sufis In Medieval Baghdad

This book examines the political and social activities of Sufis in Baghdad in the period 10001258. It argues that Sufis played an important role in creating a public sphere that existed between ordinary subjects and the government. Drawing on Arabic sources and secondary literature it explores the role of Sufis and their institutions including their ribats or lodge houses from the use of Sufis as political ambassadors to their role in redistributing charity to the poor.