The Shaping Shaikh An Ethnographic Inquiry into the Role of the Shaikh in the Adaptation of Naqshbandi Sufism in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Dejan Aždaji ć OCMS, Ph.D. May 2018 ABSTRACT This thesis is an ethnographic investigation of living Naqshbandi Sufi practitioners in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its epistemology presumes that a nuanced understanding of Islam that recognises complex realities and contradictory perspectives requires an examination of its embodied form. As a result, this research project engaged in a localised analysis of Sufi Muslims by evaluating experiences and practices from their point of view. Following this strategy, two specific communities led by different Shaikhs were identified. Although each Shaikh claimed a shared Naqshbandi origin and was located in a similar traditional, cultural, linguistic and historic milieu, there were considerable manifest dissimilarities ranging from theology, ritual practices and levels of social involvement. In light of the historic evolution of the Shaikh’s institutionally established authority in Sufism, this empirical contrast suggested that universal norms, theoretical constructs and traditional principles within a common Bosnian Naqshbandi framework were ultimately subservient to the Shaikh. This thesis argues that while operating within doctrinal continuity and a broadly defined, normative framework, each Shaikh remained free to engender legitimate adaptations that shaped the contours of religious belief and contextualised its application within a contemporary setting. Ultimately, his agency accounted for the notable diversity encountered in the field. The present study thereby underlines the inherent malleability of Sufism and advances the recognition of the Shaikh’s cardinal importance. Primarily it adds to empirical studies of Islam through an ethnographic approach that focuses on the role of the Shaikh in Sufism in general and the Naqshbandi in particular. i ii THE SHAPING SHAIKH An Ethnographic Inquiry into the Role of the Shaikh in the Adaptation of Naqshbandi Sufism in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Dejan Aždaji ć B.A. (University of South Florida) M. Div. (BLCS) M.Th. (Middlesex University) A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Middlesex University May 2018 Oxford Centre for Mission Studies iii iv DECLARATIONS This work has not previously been accepted in substance for any degree and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree. Signed(Candidate) Date STATEMENT 1 This thesis is the result of my own investigations, except where otherwise stated. Where correction services have been used, the extent and nature of the correction is clearly marked in a footnote. Other sources are acknowledged by midnotes or footnotes giving explicit references. A bibliography is appended. Signed(Candidate) Date STATEMENT 2 I hereby give consent for my thesis, if approved, to be available for photocopying by the British Library and for Inter-Library Loan, for open access to the Electronic Theses Online Service (EthoS) linked to the British Library, and for the title and summary to be made available to outside organizations. Signed Date v vi DEDICATION I want to dedicate this thesis not to a particular person, but to an idea. In no small terms, this idea encompasses by necessity both humanity and God. As is customary in the writing of dedications, which usually start with the broad and move to the specific, by God I mean the first cause of all existence. He created and now continues to sustain the world, which is filled with human beings that are somehow reflective of His image. Since the majority of this world, in one way or another, aspires to find out something about this God, I propose the following: A sincere commitment to searching out the wonders of humanity will ultimately result in a glimpse of God. In light of this premise, I devote this work to all those who dare to look for that which they seek and value most of all in the face of others. vii viii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS For anyone who has not traversed the challenging journey of doctoral research, it is difficult to understand the rigorous toll that such an adventure can have on the body, mind and spirit. Thankfully, one does not travel alone. I would first like to thank all the men and women who have provided both material and emotional support for me to be able to engage in this research. Their generosity is much appreciated. I am also grateful to those who cheered me on, prayed for me, tapped me on the shoulder and gave me wise words and necessary encouragement. My gratitude for the hospitality, time and openness of all those who welcomed me into their communities and bravely trusted me with their honest responses is difficult to overstate. I cherish the many hours that we spent together. I have learned much from you. I was transformed in the process; I believe for the better. Thank you. Among the many sojourners, I would like to single out my supervisor Dr. David Emmanuel Singh, who tirelessly provided not only excellent academic advice, but also friendship, a listening ear, encouragement and genuine concern. He modelled what it means to be a true scholar and a humble, caring individual. Thank you David. Another highly influential person in my life has been Dr. Keith Small, without whom I would have never started this journey. Most acknowledgments usually end with the name of one’s spouse. Now I fully understand why. Thank you Michelle for your beautiful support in every imaginable way. It was a long journey, but we did it together! Oh, my sincere appreciation also includes my four-year-old son Thomas, who only occasionally fretted when “tata” had to work late. ix x TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................... i DEDICATION .................................................................................................................... vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................................. ix TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................... xi 1. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCING THE RESEARCH .................................................. 1 1.1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 1.2. Rationale for Research ............................................................................................ 1 1.3. The Evolution of the Research Question ................................................................. 5 1.4. Research Limitations............................................................................................... 7 1.5. Chapter Overview ................................................................................................... 8 2. CHAPTER TWO: THE RESEARCH BACKGROUND .............................................. 13 2.1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 13 2.2. The Study of Islam as the Study of Human Beings ................................................ 13 2.3. Islam in Bosnia ..................................................................................................... 15 2.3.1. Competing Voices .......................................................................................... 18 2.3.2. The Bosnian Islamic Leadership .................................................................... 19 2.3.3. Distinct Features of Bosnian Islam ................................................................. 20 2.4. An Overview of Sufism ........................................................................................ 22 2.4.1. Sufism in Bosnia ............................................................................................ 27 2.5. The Naqshbandi Sufi Order ................................................................................... 29 2.5.1. The Naqshbandi Order in Bosnia ................................................................... 35 2.6. The Role of the Shaikh .......................................................................................... 36 2.7. Conclusion ............................................................................................................ 40 3. CHAPTER THREE: THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ........................................ 41 3.1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 41 3.2. Methodological Position ....................................................................................... 41 xi 3.3. Methods of Data Generation ................................................................................. 45 3.3.1. Gaining Access .............................................................................................. 47 3.3.2. Participant Observation .................................................................................. 48 3.3.3. Field Notes .................................................................................................... 54 3.3.4. Interviews ...................................................................................................... 55 3.3.5. Ethics ............................................................................................................. 61 3.3.6. Reflexivity ....................................................................................................