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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Muslim monasteries? Some aspects of religious culture in northern Ethiopia
Author:Abbink, JonISNI
Year:2008
Periodical:Aethiopica: International Journal of Ethiopian Studies
Volume:11
Pages:117-133
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:shrines
Sufism
External link:https://journals.sub.uni-hamburg.de/aethiopica/article/view/151/124
Abstract:This paper presents some preliminary observations on Sufi Muslim shrines or retreats in the Wällo region of Ethiopia. These shrines are places where local Muslim holy men or 'saints' lead the faithful and act as religious mediators and advisors. Some of these Sufi Muslim retreats have a 'monastic' character, and allow males and females a life of reflection and devotion to God. An obvious parallel with Christian monasteries presents itself, referring to a partly shared religious culture. The author reflects on the extent and nature of this similarity. He underlines the need for a fresh approach to the study of religion in Ethiopia and Africa, in the context of contemporary debates about religious identity and the hardening of communal boundaries. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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