A Beacon of Faith: The Zaouia Tijaniya in Fes During the Final Days of Ramadan
The Zaouia Tijaniya mosque, founded by the Sufi Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tijani in 1737-1738 within the Blida quarter of the Fes el Bali medina, stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual devotion. As the fin du Ramadan 2026 approaches, the ancient city of Fes welcomes a diverse influx of pilgrims seeking solace and connection.
Wandering through the medina’s narrow streets, one is enveloped by an atmosphere of reverence and brotherhood. Disciples journeying from across the globe – Senegal, Nigeria, Mali, Mauritania, Europe, and North America – converge to experience the concluding days of Ramadan. This period is marked by piety, heartfelt supplications, and a profound sharing of spiritual experiences.
A Global Community United by Faith
Abdellah Diani, a Senegalese disciple residing in Paris, shares that he has been making this pilgrimage for over a decade, visiting twice annually during Ramadan and the Mawlid. Initiated into the Tijaniya path in 1997, he describes a deep spiritual connection to the Sufi brotherhood. “Coming to Fes isn’t simply a choice; it’s an inner calling,” he explains, emphasizing that each visit strengthens his sense of serenity and allows him to reconnect with fellow believers from around the world.
Magati, an Italian visitor of Senegalese origin, echoes this sentiment, describing her experience as “intense and difficult to express,” characterized by introspection and inner peace. For her, this journey is a unique immersion into a vibrant spiritual heritage.
The Legacy of Sidi Ahmed Tijani
Mohammed Hennaoui, the moqaddem (leader) of the Tijaniya tariqa (order), notes that this devotion is not new. “Since the time of Sheikh Ahmed Tijani, disciples have undertaken long journeys to find spiritual refuge in this place,” he states. These visits are seen as a form of reverence towards the founder, whose teachings have spread through an extensive network of disciples across Africa and beyond.
The Tijaniya brotherhood, he explains, is built upon a spiritual education rooted in the purification of the soul and the discipline of conduct. Its practices center around three core pillars: seeking forgiveness, praying for the Prophet Muhammad, and proclaiming the oneness of God.
Learn more about Sufism: Britannica – Sufism
A Centre of Learning and Spiritual Transmission
Hennaoui also highlights the founder’s journey, marked by scholarly pursuits, including studies at the Al Quaraouiyine University, before settling permanently in Fes. Numerous scholars educated at this institution subsequently contributed to disseminating the Tijaniya tariqa globally, bolstering its spiritual influence.
Each year, Ramadan intensifies this dynamic, particularly through organized trips from various African countries, while European devotees continue to arrive throughout the year. This international gathering underscores the unique position held by the Zaouia Tijaniya of Fes – a space for spirituality, encounter, and transmission, where thousands of believers converge in search of inner peace and spiritual renewal, especially during the sacred month.
Related Content:
- Fes: When the Zaouia of Sidi Ahmed Tijani Refuses Crowds
- Fes: A Descendant of Sidi Ahmed Tijani Speaks About the History of the Tijaniya Tariqa
- Visit to Rabat by the General Khalifa of the Tijaniya Tariqa from Nigeria
- Senegal: Another Branch of the Tijaniya Cancels the Maoulid
