Women Mystics in Medieval Islam: Practice and Transmission
Résumé
The aim of this paper is to study the position of women in a specific context: that of the spiritual masters and sufis. Focus is placed on religious practices and teaching work, and consequently on the mission of spiritual transmission which these women undertook throughout their lives. Around the tenth century, the great metropolis of Nishapur offered an environment which enabled women to participate actively in the spiritual life of the city, at least for those belonging to a certain elite: teaching, debates or studies, they undertake the same activities as men. But Bassora, Baghdad, Damascus or Cairo are not outdone. Thus women are seen to travel so they can study and become recognised and respected masters. On occasion they can lecture men; they have disciples, both male and female; they give financial support to the development of a Sufi group around a master. They devote themselves to serving the very poor and spend their fortunes to further the cause of God.