Abstract
This ethnographic endeavor seeks to explore the ritual of Zikr and its association with the shift and
dilemmas in American Sufism at a Sufi Shrine in Manhattan, The United States of America. The study
highlights the ways in which Islam accommodate socio- cultural change without losing its traditional
identity: It has not changed in essence. Also, it throws light on the ways such monotheistic religions
create social relevance for their followers in a culture alien to universalizing discourses and identities.
The paper argues that esoteric versions of traditional monotheistic religions, like Sufism are more
suited to postmodern religious consciousness of modern day individuals. The study employs the
conceptual lens of postmodern religiosity. Four formal interviews of the Sufi followers (dervishes)
alongside field jottings that expanded from January 2012 till December 2012 were conducted. The
analysis was thematic in nature. The structure of the Zikr ritual was elaborated followed by offering
prayer the ‘Sushi’ way. This form of prayer ensures convivial co-existence amongst intra-religious
collectivities. The study concluded that the concept of religiosity is poly-symbolic in nature. The Zikr
ritual acts as a distinct plain that invokes a sense of belonging for the participants in diverse settings.
American Sufism is multifaceted in essence and in spirits.
Shermeen Bano, Inam ul Haq. (2019) Poly-symbolic Religiosity and the Dilemmas of American Sufism; an Ethnographic Study of Zikr at a Sufi Shrine in Manhattan, Journal of Islamic Thought and Civilization, Volume IX, Issue 1.
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