Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31823/d.33.3.2
The Relationship Between Sufism and the Religion of the Perennialists
Kenan Čemo
; Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia i Herzegovina
Orhan Jašić
orcid.org/0000-0001-7810-7850
; Faculty of Islamic Studies, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia i Herzegovina
Abstract
In this article, we provide a brief overview of the phenomenon of perennialism in religious philosophy in relation to Sufism. As an eternal and universal religion, perennial religion began its rise, especially in the West, at the beginning of the 20th century, and it continues to be cultivated in certain academic circles today. It bases its validity and authenticity, among other things, on Sufi thought, which it frequently refers to. Simply put, its protagonists present themselves as reformed Sufis, true Christians, Buddhists, and so on, under the guise of the original truth, namely, the transcendent unity of religions. In short, perennial religion is recognized by many authors as a neopagan cult, which, paradoxically to its principled universalism, promotes elitism in the name of truth and harmony.
Keywords
Sufism; perennialism; perennial religion; West; esotericism; neopaganism
Hrčak ID:
337317
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2025.
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