Rahmani Tariqah
Definition
The Rahmani Tariqah is a suborder of the Khalwati Sufi order, established in the Kabyle region of Algeria in the eighteenth century by Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Gishtuli al-Jurjuri. This Sufi order, initially centered around a popular saint cult formed around al-Jurjuri, became one of the most prominent Sufi movements in Algeria by the twentieth century.
Historical Background
Founding and Spread:
- Founded by: Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Gishtuli al-Jurjuri
- Region: Kabyle region, Algeria
- Date of Establishment: Eighteenth century
Development:
Initially localized in the Kabyle region, the Rahmani Tariqah expanded to other parts of Algeria and Tunisia. Its hub became the province and city of Constantine, a notable center for religious learning and scholarship in Algeria. The Tariqah played a critical role during periods of social upheaval, such as the 1805 famine, by guiding the population towards sociomoral reconstruction.
Sociopolitical Influence
Anti-Colonial Resistance:
During the nineteenth century, the Rahmani Tariqah utilized its network of zawiyahs (Sufi hospices) to coordinate resistance against French colonial forces in Algeria. The Rahmani leaders, intertwined with local administration, were instrumental in the preparation and execution of uprisings. The most notable being the significant rebellion in the 1870s, the largest since the defeat of Abd al-Qadir, though it too eventually failed.
Expansion and Evolution
International Branches:
The order also saw geographical expansion, with the Hejaz branch being established by Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn Masud ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Fasi in the nineteenth century, underlining its influence and adaptability.
Etymology and Translations
Etymology:
- Rahmani: Derived from “Rahman” in Arabic (رَحْمَان), meaning “merciful,” relating to one of the attributes of God in Islam.
- Tariqah: Arabic (طَرِيقَة), meaning “path” or “way,” referring to a Sufi order.
Translations:
- Arabic: الطريقة الرحمانبة الخلواتية
- Turkish: Rahmani Tarikatı
Recommended Books
- “The Venture of Islam, Volume 2: The Expansion of Islam in the Middle Periods” by Marshall G. S. Hodgson
- “Sufi Orders in Islam” by J. Spencer Trimingham
- “Colonialism in Question: Theory, Knowledge, History” by Frederick Cooper
- “The Sufi Brotherhoods in the Islam Maghreb” by Abdelkader Djemaï
Takeaways and Conclusion
The Rahmani Tariqah stands as a significant embodiment of Sufi resilience and influence in North Africa. Rooted in deep spiritual practices, it extended its role into the sociopolitical arena, especially in its resistance against the French colonial rule. Understanding the Rahmani Tariqah sheds light on the broader impact of Sufism in fostering both religious devotion and political activism within the Islamic world.
Conclusion
The Rahmani Tariqah’s legacy resonates not only in the spiritual reformation and socio-moral guidance of its adherents but also in the steadfast opposition to colonial domination, crafting a rich tapestry of historical and religious significance that continues to be an indispensable part of Islamic heritage.
