Hussein Mohammed Al-Qadri, a distinguished professor of jurisprudence in Ghana, has engaged in a profound discussion regarding the spiritual and intellectual linkages between Morocco and Ghana, particularly through the spread of the Qadiriyya Sufi order. His examination delves into the historical trajectory of this order, tracing its roots from Moroccan centers such as Fez to the Gold Coast, highlighting the intricate networks of scholarly, spiritual, and commercial exchanges that have flourished across West Africa.
Al-Qadri's insights were shared during the second edition of the "Councils of Lights in Remembrance of Prayer upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)," organized by the Qadiriyya Budchichiyya order in the town of Madagh, located in eastern Morocco. This event attracted international participation and was held in celebration of the Prophet's birthday in 1448 AH/2026 AD, under the theme "The Extension of Moroccan Sufi Heritage in Africa: Pathways, Manifestations, and Prospects." Under the guidance of Haj Maadh Al-Qadri Budchich, the spiritual leader of the order, the event featured a diverse array of scholars and researchers from Morocco and several African, Asian, and European countries, combining spiritual councils with scholarly seminars.
From Fez to the Gold Coast
In his presentation titled "Spiritual and Intellectual Bridges Between Morocco and Ghana: The Qadiriyya Order as a Model for Scientific and Sufi Communication Across the Desert," Al-Qadri explored the historical and spiritual dimensions of the connection between Morocco and Ghana through the dissemination of Qadiriyya teachings. His discourse meticulously traced the pathways through which these teachings transitioned from Moroccan centers to the Gold Coast region of Ghana, while also investigating the reasons behind the limited documentation of this heritage in comparison to the order's presence in other African nations such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Niger.
He underscored that there exist historical evidence and religious practices that continue to affirm the presence of the Qadiriyya order in Ghana's Islamic history, despite the scarcity of sources that have documented this particular trajectory.
Addressing Documentation Gaps and Oral Narratives
The paper adopted a descriptive analytical historical approach, relying on a review of available sources in both Arabic and English. It emphasized the necessity of cautiously addressing the documentation gaps concerning the Ghanaian context. Furthermore, it highlighted the significance of local oral narratives, which serve as primary material requiring further verification and comparison with archival documents and sources to achieve a more accurate portrayal of the pathways through which the Qadiriyya order spread in the region.
Al-Qadri explained that the dissemination of the Qadiriyya order in West Africa was not a linear journey originating from a single center; rather, it unfolded within a broad network of scholars, scientific foundations, and commercial interests that extended from Fez across the Sahara and the Hausa lands to Ghana. He noted that although the documentation of the Qadiriyya presence in Ghana may be limited compared to some other African countries, it remains evident in the religious and spiritual practices of its followers, reflecting the enduring historical ties between Morocco and West African nations.
He called for expanded scholarly research into the history of the Qadiriyya order's extension, advocating for comprehensive archival and field surveys, and for systematically documenting local oral narratives. Additionally, he proposed comparative studies between the Qadiriyya expansion and the Tijani order, asserting that these efforts would contribute to the documentation of the scientific and spiritual interconnections between Morocco and West African countries, while illuminating the pathways of knowledge and Sufi orders across the region.
This presentation was part of the scientific program of the "Councils of Lights," which investigates the role of Sufi orders and spiritual communication networks in building historical and cultural ties between Morocco and African nations, as well as exploring their contemporary roles in scientific and cultural collaboration.
As reported by gate.ahram.org.eg.
