FROM PIETY TO POLITICS

social, economical and political. The political tone within Islam was one that arose in the formation of the religion. This book deals with an important subject - the political roles of popular Islamic associations like mystic brotherhoods and messianic-style movements. Examination of this subject is very important in the current global context where there is a high level of interest in activist Muslim organizations...Dr. DeGorge has undertaken a very ambitious and imaginative task in working to develop generalizations about the relationships between popular Islamic religious associations and politics through comparative analysis. The two cases that she has chosen - Sudan and China - are complex and significant case studies. - John Voll, Professor of Islamic History, Georgetown University.