Day 19 - Touba and the Mourides
Sufism is a movement centred on an inner, mystical dimension of spiritual experience in Islam. Often Sufis have sought to connect with the Divine and purify their inner self. Sufi movements are generally led by guides who are greatly revered. Some orthodox Muslims - including the main Islamic movement in Saudi Arabia, the Wahhabis - consider Sufis to be heretics.
Most Muslims in Senegal and Gambia are affiliated with Sufi brotherhoods such as the Tijaniyyah, Xaadir (Qadiriyya), Mourides and the Layene. Splinter groups have formed in each movement around specific leaders and special doctrines.
The Mouride movement, headquartered in Touba, Senegal, as founded by Amadou Bamba in 1883. Amadou Bamba (1850-1927) was a Muslim mystic and a spiritual leader who gave instruction about meditation, Islamic rituals, work and the study of the Qur'an. His emphasis on working has produced fruit and his disciples are known for their work ethic. Amadou Bamba did not support the French conquest of West Africa, but he resisted the holy war. He encouraged what he called the jihad al-akbar, 'the greater struggle', which should be fought through learning and the fear of God. The Mouride brotherhood in Senegal and Gambia controls many sectors of the local economies. Followers often donate part of their income to the movement. Abdoulaye Wade, the current president of Senegal, is a committed Mouride. Immediately following his election in 2000, President Wade travelled to the holy city of Touba to seek the benediction of the spiritual leader of the brotherhood (the Grand Marabout).
Prayer Ideas:
Most Muslims in Senegal and Gambia are affiliated with Sufi brotherhoods such as the Tijaniyyah, Xaadir (Qadiriyya), Mourides and the Layene. Splinter groups have formed in each movement around specific leaders and special doctrines.
The Mouride movement, headquartered in Touba, Senegal, as founded by Amadou Bamba in 1883. Amadou Bamba (1850-1927) was a Muslim mystic and a spiritual leader who gave instruction about meditation, Islamic rituals, work and the study of the Qur'an. His emphasis on working has produced fruit and his disciples are known for their work ethic. Amadou Bamba did not support the French conquest of West Africa, but he resisted the holy war. He encouraged what he called the jihad al-akbar, 'the greater struggle', which should be fought through learning and the fear of God. The Mouride brotherhood in Senegal and Gambia controls many sectors of the local economies. Followers often donate part of their income to the movement. Abdoulaye Wade, the current president of Senegal, is a committed Mouride. Immediately following his election in 2000, President Wade travelled to the holy city of Touba to seek the benediction of the spiritual leader of the brotherhood (the Grand Marabout).
Prayer Ideas:
- The Mouride leaders are the spiritual gives for 3-5 million people, and the principal leaders of Touba, the second largest city of Senegal. pray for them to really meet the living God. The economic, social andd spiritual barriers are significant (You might pray based on Acts 13:4-12).
- All text from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
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