al-Afkar, Journal For Islamic Studies
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026)

The Expressions of Sufi Literature and Its Development from the Islamic World to the Indonesian Archipelago

Angga Arifka (Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Apr 2026

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the historical development of Sufi literature from its roots in the Middle East to its spread to Indonesia, tracing the transformation of Sufi expression in various literary forms. Using a historical approach and descriptive qualitative method, this study traces the transformation of Sufi literature, which is not only a medium of spirituality, but also a tool for profound aesthetic expressions. Through a content analysis of these works, this article finds that poetry and literature can be means of Sufi expression regarding mystical experience. This article found that Sufi literature not only reflects the spiritual journey but also plays an important role in shaping literary traditions and religious thought in the Islamic world in general and in Indonesia in particular. Additionally, while each literary expression is intertextual, Sufistic literature shows its own uniqueness derived from Indonesian context.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Afkar_Journal

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is published by Association of Secondment Lecturers (Asosiasi Dosen DPK) UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung Indonesia. Focus of al-Afkar, Journal for Islamic Studies is on publishing original empirical research articles and theoretical reviews of Islamic Studies, ...