The Stories of Modern Dervishes in Indonesia

Book excerpt: This book encompasses a wide range of human experiences, delving into mystical encounters, dreams, altruism, hard work, teamwork, cultural misunderstandings, amusing anecdotes, misconceptions, success, failure, happiness, and poignant tales of four Hizmet affiliated high school graduates and teachers in Indonesia. They sowed the seeds of successful education and eventually departed from Indonesia. Contrary to the claims of some scholars, they do not belong to a Sufi Order nor can they be classified as traditionalists, although they exhibit characteristics that may align with both. Instead, they can be aptly described as modern dervishes. The book's title, The Stories of Modern Dervishes in Indonesia: Tolong, is derived from the true account of three orphan students whom modern dervishes rescued from the aftermath of a tsunami. If I were to read these stories without conducting on-site research, it would be difficult to believe them. Readers will undoubtedly find this book engrossing and captivating.