Psycho-Social, Cultural, Historical and Islamic Dynamics of Sufi Orders in Africa

Abstract

In terms of Sufi studies, African geography has not been subjected to sufficient examination, both in the Islamic world and in the western world. Studies and researches are also mostly at the level of popular publications. In the works of Western researchers, the subject has not gone beyond reporting. Many western researchers approached Africa within the framework of the orientalist approach and plunged the continent into a whirlpool of marginalization. There is a need for new and appropriate academic studies in order to reveal the mystical accumulation in the continent based on both western and Islamic sources. Based on this fact, we are trying to deal with the activities of the sects that we focus on in our study, particularly in Africa. Our article will be evaluated under six sub-titles. In this context, firstly, the findings on the pioneers of the sufi orders in the field of science, morality and trade in Africa will be revealed. In the second stage, the understanding of al Tariqa al Mohammadi adopted by the sufi orders in Africa will be emphasized. As a third point, determinations will be made about the role of sufi orders in the spread of Islam in Africa. The fourth issue to be discussed will be the efforts of the sufi orders to keep the Islamic culture and civilization alive in Africa. In the fifth dimension, the struggle of the sufi orders against imperialism will be mentioned. In the final analysis, the contributions of sects to social life will be examined.