Abstract
This chapter considers examples of prominent Sufis’ military activity in historical events. The chapter examines the roles of Shaykh Arslan Dimashqi and Abu Hasan Shadhili during the Crusades; Najm al-Din Kubra during the Mongol invasion of Central Asia; Aq Shams al-Din and the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453; the martial role of Baba Palangpush and the Naqshbandi Sufi order in Mughal India. This chapter concludes that these depictions, though based to some degree on hagiographical and semi-historical sources, confirm that Sufis were often mujahids during times of war, which accords with the understanding of jihad premodern Sufi texts propound.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2017 The Author(s)
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Neale, H.S. (2017). Historical Role of Sufis in Military Endeavors. In: Jihad in Premodern Sufi Writings. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56155-8_7
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-56155-8_7
Published:
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-56748-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-137-56155-8
eBook Packages: Religion and PhilosophyPhilosophy and Religion (R0)