Shadhili Tariqah

Shadhili Tariqah, one of the four oldest Sufi orders in the Muslim world, founded by Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Shadhili in the twelfth century.

Shadhili Tariqah

Shadhili Tariqah - The Shadhili Tariqah is one of the oldest and most influential Sufi orders in the Muslim world. It has numerous branches in North Africa, Egypt, Sudan, the Comoros, Sri Lanka, Yemen, China, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia, Kosovo, Macedonia, and Sub-Saharan and East Africa.

Etymology and Arabic/ Turkish Translations

  • Etymology: The term “Shadhili” is derived from its founder Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Shadhili.
  • Arabic: الطريقة الشاذلية
  • Turkish: Şazeli Tarikatı

Historical Foundations

The Shadhili Tariqah was founded in the twelfth century by Abu al-Hasan Ali al-Shadhili, a Moroccan-born Sufi. Unlike many other founders of Sufi orders, Al-Shadhili did not leave behind a body of scholarly texts. Instead, he is remembered through a collection of prayers and supplications, most notably the Hizb al-Bahr, a prayer traditionally used for seeking safety at sea which has been translated into several languages, including English.

Systematization and Expansion

The doctrines of the Shadhili order were systematized by Ahmad ibn Ata Allah al-Iskandari, its third shaykh, in the thirteenth century. Under his guidance, the order’s teachings reached a broader audience. Ahmad ibn Ata Allah’s compilation of aphorisms further contributed to the Shadhili Tariqah’s expansion and enduring significance.

Key Tenets

Among its distinctive features, the Shadhili Tariqah is noted for its pragmatic approach to worldly matters, asserting that wealth is not inherently against piety. This differentiated it from other orders which emphasized asceticism.

Prominent Branches

The Shadhili Tariqah diversified into various branches that adapted its basic principles to different cultural contexts:

  • North Africa: Fasi, Darqawi, Yusufi
  • Sudan: Burhani Disuqi, Azami Shadhili
  • Egypt: Burhani Disuqi, Hamidi, Ashirah Muhammadi
  • Syria: Burhani Disuqi

Influence in the Ottoman Empire and Modern Day

The order was active during the Ottoman period, promoting both spiritual and temporal well-being. In contemporary times, it remains prominent among reform-minded Sufis, especially in Egypt.

The Shadhili Tariqah has inspired and is associated with other Sufi orders and movements, such as:

  • Yashruti Tariqah
  • Yusufi Tariqah

Suggested Reading for Further Study

  1. “The Subtle Blessings” (Lata’if al-Minan) by Ibn `Ata Allah al-Iskandari
  2. “The Shadhili Tariqah and its Methods” (Shadhili Tariqa: Munajat)
  3. “A Sufi Saint of the Twentieth Century: Shaikh Ahmad Al-Alawi” by Martin Lings

Takeaways and Conclusion

The Shadhili Tariqah is notably flexible in its interpretation of piety, blending spiritual and worldly pursuits, which has helped it maintain relevance over centuries. Its devotional practices continue to inspire modern Sufis and retain a significant cultural impact in various regions worldwide.

See Also

  • Yashruti Tariqah
  • Yusufi Tariqah

By understanding the Shadhili Tariqah, one appreciates the rich tapestry of Islamic mysticism and its capacity to evolve and adapt over centuries.


Mark your calendar for future discussions and refer to the suggested readings for a deeper dive into the Shadhili Tariqah’s profound legacy in Islamic history and spirituality.

Thursday, August 1, 2024

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