Tor Andræ

Tor Andræ (1885-1947) was a Swedish religious historian, orientalist, and scholar of Islam. He is best known for his contributions to the study of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) and the life of the Prophet Muhammad.

Andræ held a professorship in the history of religions at Stockholm University from 1933 until his death. Prior to that, he taught at Uppsala University. His research focused on understanding the origins and development of religious ideas, particularly within the context of the Middle East and the rise of Islam.

Andræ's significant works include:

• Die Person Muhammeds in Lehre und Glauben seiner Gemeinde (1918) - A study of the image of Muhammad in Islamic doctrine and popular belief.

• Mohammed, Sein Leben und Sein Glaube (1930) - A biography of Muhammad that aimed to present a nuanced and objective account of his life and teachings. This work has been translated into several languages and remains a significant resource for scholars.

• Mystikens psykologi (1926) - Explores the psychology of mysticism.

Andræ's scholarship was characterized by its meticulous attention to detail, its comparative approach to religious studies, and its sensitivity to the religious experiences of individuals and communities. He is considered a major figure in the development of Islamic studies in Sweden and internationally. He emphasized the importance of understanding religious phenomena from the perspective of the believers themselves, and his work continues to be influential in the fields of religious history and Islamic studies.