A video capturing the Zawiya Karkariya’s lively celebration of al-Mawlid an-Nabawi, filled with rhythmic chanting, has stirred up riticism from social media users who raised questions about the order’s unconventional outfits and their unique way of marking the religious occasion.
One instagram user said “ what’s the purpose of this dance!! are they gonna reach Jannah like this! people are losing their minds.” Another one said “we just want a single word mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadith of dancing like this.”
Other social media users pointed out that such practices are “heresy” that do not belong in Islam.
Others called for the respect of other’s religious preferences. One user said “this is very therapeutic and beneficial to the psychological and spiritual well being of the practicing individuals. Humming and chantinghas been around forever, scientists are still trying to expose the benefits vis a vis the human brainwaves.”
To clarify these misconceptions and respond to these criticisms, Hespress English reached out to the representative of Zawiya Karkariya.
In an interview with Hespress English, the representative of Zawiya, Amine Ghazi, said that “their attire, the patched colorful djellaba, is not an innovation or something unique to this Sufi order. It is known as “Al-Khirqa,” and in some regions, it is called “Al-Murqqa’a” or “Ad-Drbala.”
The representative added the attire serves as a symbol of self-discipline, devotion to God, and detachment from worldly concerns. It is also symbolic, with its 12 colors representing love and the Arabic letters forming the phrase There is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah
Responding to criticism regarding their “unconventional” way of religious practice and celebration, the representative said that “this criticism is directed at the Karkariya Sufi order, as well as other Sufi paths, by a particular religious faction, the Wahhabi movement. They criticize those who celebrate the Prophet’s birthday (Mawlid). And this criticism is part of their broader religious perspective.”
The Karkaria Sufi path, like many Sufi orders, has a lineage that stretches back from one spiritual leader to another, all the way to the Prophet Mohammad. But what distinguishes the Karkariya Sufi order, according to the representative, is the fact that its current spiritual leader is alive and relatively young, which is why it is referred to as a “living” order.
This is also why the Zawiya appeals to foreigners, as they are drawn to this Sufi order by the presence of the living spiritual leader, the Sheikh, who remains actively involved in guiding and leading the community.
The Karkariya Sufi order is based in the city of Al Aroui, in the Nador region of the Kingdom of Morocco, and its spiritual leader is Sidi Mohamed Faouzi Al-Karkari.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.