Although Sufism and saint veneration already constitute topics for research, yet they have not so far been adequately examined, either theoretically or systematically. Here, the group aims to expand the existing critical analyses of past contributors in the field, so as to establish new methods of cooperative research on the phenomenon entitled ‘synthesis of Sufism and saint veneration.’ Sufism, saint veneration, tariqa, and reverence for the prophet's family, all of which are widespread phenomena, will be hypothetically reexamined as a whole in order to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding.
Apart from organizing seminars with the collaboration of anthropologists, historians, and others scholars, the group will provide opportunities for researchers to present their results through panel meetings, features in academic journals, and theoretical anthologies, both in Japanese and English. Additionally, the group hopes to strengthen collaboration with the French research organization CNRS, which like Japan is conducting progressive research in this field.
The group will also develop the work done in earlier collaborative research projects that took place after the aforementioned Critical Study of the Modern Islamic World. These projects include the An Interdisciplinary Research into the Blending of Sufism and Saint Veneration in Eastern Arab Areas and Turkey. Here the research representative was Akira Goto, it was conducted between 2002 and 2003, and it was funded by the Grant-In-Aid for Scientific Research program C. Another project is A Structural Inquiry into the Blending of Sufism and Saint Veneration, through the collective application of Anthropological, Historical, and Philosophical Research techniques. Here the research representative was Masayuki Akahori, it was conducted between 2004 and 2006, and it was funded by the Grant-In-Aid for Scientific Research program B.
With tri-annual seminars and residential research/training programs forming the core, the group seeks to decide its main focus topics each year and present research results in accordance with its progress.