By Sheikh Abdiwahab Osman
On July 15, 2024, Dr. Abdurahman Baadiyow discussed the role of Sufi orders (Dhariqa) in spreading Islam in the Horn of Africa region. He also mentioned that some Sufi Sheikhs resisted and fought against European colonial powers that arrived in the area in the 18th century. While we respect the research and writings of these scholarly articles, it is crucial to critically evaluate the other side of the story.
Recording history demands fairness, honesty, and a balanced understanding of the past. Therefore, it is important to comprehensively examine the legacy of these groups in terms of the religious beliefs and practices they imparted to the masses. This is particularly significant as there are objectively observable and measurable discrepancies in the Sufi’s interpretation of the teachings of Islam.
As someone who socialized with the Qaderiyah Sufi sect in Mogadishu, Somalia, I want to share firsthand information about how the group introduced practices that were not traditionally part of Islam. To put it simply, here are some of the issues I observed within the group:
The practice of reciting Dhikr (celebrations for Allah (SW)):
In Islam, believers are not allowed to modify the original devotional practices taught by the Prophet (SAW). This means no alteration or expansion of religious acts and performances. The Sufi orders are known for their famous Dhikr, which is when a group of people chant melodic hymns with special rhythmic dance. For instance, the Qadiriyya order has developed its own type of Dhikr, both in the style of recitation and in the contents.
A notable example of mutilating the original Dhikr is chanting the so-called seven Tawhidis, which takes more than ten hours for a group to complete. This is contrary to the teachings of Islam as the Prophet says: “Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that does not belong to it shall have it rejected.” [Agreed upon].
2. Paying visits to the tombs of the Sufi Sheikhs (Ziyarah):
A similar practice where Sufi groups have exceeded limits is the action of visiting the tombs of their Sheikhs. Islam has complete ethics in paying visits to graves generally. The aim is for the visitor to remember death and to recite Dua for the deceased. Therefore, according to some scholars, the visitor must stand seven meters from the grave to complete the practice in less than ten minutes.
Contrary to this, the Qaderiyah Sheikhs expanded this practice by including several rituals, like mobilising a large number of people on the grave site while chanting with fabricated Dhikrs. The tombs of the Sheikhs are normally built with marble and sheltered in the Mosque or a specific structure. The Qadiriyah order also regulated three days for one to complete the visiting exercise. All these additional practices are illegal according to Islamic Sharia.
3. Exalting the position of Sufi Sheikhs in relation to Allah (SW):
Some Sufi Sheikhs claim to have mystic power that even the Prophets did not enjoy. In this case, some stories showcasing the power of the grand Sheikh of Qadiriyah (Sheikh Abdulqadir Jeylani (RH) are always transmitted to the followers of the group. Once upon a time, a mother had only one son. She lost him to natural death. Then, the mother complained to the Sheikh that the angel of death had taken the life of her child.
The Sheikh got annoyed and immediately flew to heaven. On his way, he met the angel of death who carried the souls of the day’s dead persons. He asked him if he had taken the life of the woman’s son. The angel replied; Yes, sir, but Allah ordered me to do so. The Sheikh then slapped the angel until all the souls he was carrying fell to the earth. As a result, the young man’s life automatically returned to him.
These types of stories related to extraordinary events are very common in Sufi groups. They mostly demonstrate that Sufis have reached the high-level stage that no one has ever attained.
In conclusion, while some Sufi groups in Somalia have contributed to the spread of Islam, others have mistaken or misunderstood the true teachings of Islam.
Sheikh Abdiwahab Osman
Email: [email protected]
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Related articles
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The prominent Sheikhs of the Qadiriyya order in Banadir By A Baadiyow
Sheikh Madar: The Qadiriyya Sufi, a founder of Hargeisa and a societal reformer By A Baadiyow
Sheikh Ahmed Gabyow (1844-1933): A poet and early anti-colonial scholar By A Baadiyow
Haji Farah Oomar IIeeye (1879-1949): The staunch nationalist and the first Somali lawyer By A Baadiyow
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