TWMCC Holds 'History of Sufism in West Africa' Online Lecture
- 2025-Jul-02
As part of its ongoing lecture series, The World Muslim Communities Council (TWMCC) hosted an online lecture under the theme “History of Sufism in West Africa”, delivered by Sheikh Ahmed Tidjiane, Islamic Scholar and Director of the Bureau D’assistance Conseils et Services in Senegal.
Sheikh Tidjiane began by highlighting the vital role of Sufism in West Africa, explaining that Sufi orders have evolved into independent institutions with significant social, political, and spiritual impact across the region.
He noted that Sufi orders have contributed to building communities and have offered a model for interaction between religion and local culture.
He stressed that Sufism plays a spiritual and cultural role and has an impact on education, media, and social integration in West Africa.
He further explained that Sufism encourages religious practices, the preservation of Arab heritage, and provides guidance for people's lives along with social and economic support.
Sheikh Tidjiane affirmed that Sufi orders have helped resolve political crises, including a one in Senegal. He emphasised that Sufism significantly influences education in the country, with numerous religious schools.
He added that Sufi orders are based on the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah, and that many universities in Senegal were established as an extension of Sufi educational schools.
Concluding the lecture, he said that some individuals falsely claim affiliation with Sufi orders while engaging in actions that contradict Islamic law, authentic Sufism, and sound ethics. He clarified that such practices are illegitimate and must not be followed.
