The book deals with the evolution of Sufi brotherhoods and their transformation into political vehicles. It analyzes how and why they became such significant powers in shaping the modern Islamic political scene.
Events of September 11 and the current war with Iraq have brought Islam and Muslim people to the forefront. To the Western world, especially to Americans, Islam is an enigma. Islam is basically perceived of as a religion that impedes any type of development or modernity. However, the author argues, Islam is much more than a simple religion. It is an encompassing way of life that addresses all modalities: 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.