Sufism in Zawiya Ahansal

Zawiya Ahansal is considered by scholars as one of the most important Sufi zawiya’s in Morocco and Algeria. Even though the people of Zawiya Ahansal meet the scholarly definition of Sufi, they personally do not identify themselves with the term. It is simply an externally-applied term used by others to identity their beliefs and lifestyle.

Throughout history, Westerners and other Muslims have often misinterpreted the practices of zawiyas thinking that they are worshipping saints which goes against Islam. However, the followers of zawiyas do not worship or pray to the zawiya’s saints, they harness the baraka (sacred energy) of a living or dead saint so that Allah hears their prayers more clearly and hopefully, answers them quicker.

Photo: Praying during a holiday in Zawiya Ahansal.