Poetry Commons^™

Beyond Words: Chronicling Spiritual Ecstasy And Experience In Sufi Poetry, Kate Van Brocklin

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this research was to understand the primary form of expression within Sufism—poetry. I focused on two of the most famous Sufi poems in Morocco, the al-Burda and al-Hamziya, and investigated how these poems are used in ceremonies today, and to what extent and why they hold significance. Key components to this project were my visits to the Boudchichi zaouia in the Rabat medina to see how these poems invoke spirituality, community, faith and remembrance. I also considered the Western interest in Sufi poetry to explore how these poems shape Western perceptions of Islam today.