Dr. Annemarie Schimmel on Sheikh and Salik Relationship in Sufism: A Study

Abstract

Prof. Annemarie Schimmel is deemed to be eminent intellectual of the contemporary era who has produced gargantuan intellectual works in the sphere of Islamic Studies, particularly that of sufism, the subject which is broad ranging, intricate and critical field. There are plenitude of elements associated with the concept of sufism on which Annemarie Schimmel has delved deep. However, the one that we will be dissecting in this very paper is Annemarie Schimmel’s views on the role sheikh plays in the life of salik on the spiritual path. How he aids him in this convoluted journey and what are the downsides of having such undiluted authority in life.