The Russian approach to Sûfîsm in the Communist period in Central Asia with ‎particular reference to Kyrgyzstan

This article studies the Russian approach to Sûfîsm in the Communist period in Central ‎Asia with particular reference to Kyrgyzstan. Islam has been divided into two branches ‎by the communists; one is formal and state Islam, the second is parallel or underground ‎Islam tHat is Sûfîsm. Sûfîs who are considered as the representatives of a backward world ‎and the fierce enemies of the atheist rule have been Hated by the ideologues of the ‎communist revolution. They have been imprisoned and severely punished. However, ‎Central Asian Muslims who possess a mystical approach to religion never gave up ‎mystical tendencies. This article studies the example of Kyrgyzstan and concludes tHat ‎Islam cannot be divided into two opposing camps. Most importantly, Sûfîsm cannot be ‎ousted from the lives of Central Asian Muslims for the simple reason tHat they accepted ‎Islam at the hands of Sûfî groups. The mini-research of public opinion about Sûfîsm gives ‎the readers some idea about the popularity of Sûfî ideas among the Kyrgyz people.

Keywords

Sûfism, Central Asia, Communism and Sûfîs, Kyrgyzstan, Islam