Sufismus – die mystische Dimension des Islams? Annemarie Schimmels Religionsverständnis im Anschluss an Friedrich Heiler

Annemarie Schimmel (1922–2003) is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Islamic studies in the 20th century. Her work continues to be widely consulted today, yet the understanding of religion that underpins her studies has scarcely been systematically examined to date. This lecture addresses this gap and examines the influence of Friedrich Heiler (1892–1967), who brought Schimmel to Marburg in 1946 and had a lasting impact on her thinking. Drawing on selected writings, it demonstrates how Schimmel adopted Heiler’s phenomenological approach to religion and applied his typology of prophetic and mystical religion to Islam and Sufism. The lecture invites a re-reading of Schimmel’s work as part of 20th-century debates in the study of religion.

The event can also be viewed online at https://uni-erfurt.webex.com/meet/katharina_waldner. Registration is not required.