Sammani, Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-
Definition
Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Sammani (d. 1775) was a prominent Egyptian Sufi closely associated with the Khalwati tariqah. Following the death of his mentor, Mustafa ibn Kamal al-Din al-Bakri (d. 1749), he developed a sub-branch of the Khalwati order known as the Sammani tariqah.
Life and Contributions
Early Life and Education
Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Sammani was a dedicated pupil of Mustafa ibn Kamal al-Din al-Bakri, a Syrian Sufi who was influential in the Khalwati tariqah. The Khalwati order originated in Persia and later spread to various parts of the Islamic world, including Syria and Egypt.
Founding the Sammani Tariqah
After the death of al-Bakri, al-Sammani took it upon himself to further develop elements of Khalwati practices, which eventually culminated in the establishment of a new sub-branch named after him—the Sammani tariqah. This order gained a significant following, particularly through the discipleship of South Sumatran Sufi Abd al-Samad al-Palimbani (d. ca. 1788).
Influence in Mecca and Southeast Asia
Al-Sammani spent the latter part of his life in Mecca, where he continued his teachings. He became a mentor to Abd al-Samad al-Palimbani, inducting him into his Sufi order. Through Abd al-Samad, the Sammani tariqah became particularly influential in South Sumatra and other regions in Indonesia.
Practices
Dhikr
One of the distinguishing features of the Sammani tariqah is its specific practice of dhikr. Dhikr involves the recitation of Quranic verses followed by the recitation of divine names, concluding with prayers. This practice aims to foster a deeper spiritual connection and divine remembrance among its practitioners.
Etymology and Translations
Etymology
- Al-Sammani (السماني): Derived from the Arabic root “س م ن” (s-m-n), which may relate to the idea of ’naming’ or being ‘distinguished’.
Translations in Other Languages
- Arabic: محمد بن عبد الكريم السماني
- Turkish: Muhammed bin Abdülkerim el-Sammâni
Further Reading
Books and Articles
- “Islamic Mysticism: A Short History” by Annemarie Schimmel – An excellent introduction to Sufism, its history, and key figures.
- “Sufi Orders in Islam” by J. Spencer Trimingham – A thorough overview of various Sufi orders, including the Khalwati and Sammani tariqahs.
- “Indonesian Sufi Orders” by Martin van Bruinessen – A detailed study on the influence of Middle Eastern Sufism in Indonesia.
Takeaways and Conclusion
Muhammad ibn Abd al-Karim al-Sammani played a pivotal role in Sufi history by founding the Sammani tariqah, a sub-branch of the well-established Khalwati order. His influence extended from Egypt to Mecca, and eventually spread to Southeast Asia through key disciples such as Abd al-Samad al-Palimbani. Distinguished by its unique practice of dhikr, the Sammani tariqah remains a significant chapter in the history of Islamic spirituality.
For further inquiry into Sufism and its global impact, readers are directed to the aforementioned books and recognized scholarly articles on the subject.
