Abstract
Sufism, the mystical or esoteric aspect of Islam, is primarily seen as
devoted to the spiritual dimension of one’s life, but despite it religio-spiritual
outlook, Sufism is inextricably linked with power and politics. Historically, the
sufi shaykhs as masters of the spiritual domain have engaged with the notions of
power, authority and legitimacy. They have engaged with those who have been the
custodians of political authority—the Caliphs, Emperors, Sultans, rulers, and their
subordinates. In the words of a scholar on Sufism:
