Bayyumi Tariqah
Definition
The Bayyumi Tariqah is an Egyptian Sufi order that succeeded the Badawi Tariqah and was founded by the hadith scholar Ali ibn al-Hijazi al-Bayyumi (d. 1769). It diverged from the Khalwati Tariqah’s spirit, which emphasized individualism, stringent training of dervishes, and reverence for a dominant leader. The Bayyumi Tariqah became notable for its close links to the butchers’ guild and its commitment to advocating for the rights of the poor.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: الطريقة البيومية (al-Ṭarīqah al-Bayyūmiyyah)
- Turkish: Bayyumi Tarikatı
Background and Characteristics
Founded by Ali ibn al-Hijazi al-Bayyumi, a well-known hadith scholar and a member of the branch of the revivalist Khalwati order, the Bayyumi Tariqah exemplified a departure from the Khalwati Sufi order’s strict individualist practices. The order distanced itself from the highly structured training methods and strict reverence for a potent leader characteristic of the Khalwati tradition.
Social and Cultural Impact
The Bayyumi Tariqah was inherently a popular order that operated as a form of religious counterculture, countering the conservatism of the establishment ulama (religious scholars). It aligns itself with the cause of the lower classes and defended the underprivileged. This Tariqah’s interconnection with the butchers’ guild symbolized its deep roots among the common people and their trades.
Social Reforms and Advocacy
One of the most notable aspects of the Bayyumi Tariqah was its commitment to championing the rights of the poor and its cultural role in protecting the interests of the marginalized sectors of society. Its inclusive approach and democratic ethos stood in stark contrast to the elitism and conservatism predominant among certain established scholarly circles.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- The Sufi Orders in Islam by J. Spencer Trimingham
- Religion and Society in the 19th Century Ottoman Empire by Mehmed Fuad Ejder
- Sufism, Mystics, and Saints in Modern Egypt by Arthur Goldschmidt Jr.
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Bayyumi Tariqah plays an essential role in Islamic cultural and religious contexts as a Sufi order committed to social justice. It distinguished itself from more individualistic and conservative orders, emphasizing collective well-being and advocacy for the oppressed. Founded in the 18th century, it remains a key example of how religious movements can intersect profoundly with social and economic realities.
