Sufism in Mexico

Definition

Sufism is defined as an integral branch of Islam, in which direct communication with Allah is thought to be possible by joining an organization known as order or tariqa, where a spiritual master offers guidance on mystical experiences and teachings. The present entry offers an exploration of the origins and development of Muslim Sufi communities in Mexico since the last decades of the twentieth century.

Introduction

In 2010, the most recent census of Mexico indicated that among the more than 110 million inhabitants of the country there could be counted almost 4000 Muslim women and men. Some academic research suggests that Islam is underrepresented in these official statistics and that this religious community might actually amount to up to 40,000 people, a figure that would still only represent 0.03 % of the total population. Because of this context, information about Islam in Mexico often revolves around the dynamics held between this minority and the major religion (83 %...