Sufi cultural festival draws crowds to Fez

2007-05-04

A Sufi cultural festival in Fez attracted interest, both domestically and abroad, in the mystical and tolerant form of religious life that Sufism embodies. Many in attendance believe that Sufism could play a constructive role in educating young people and countering radical Islam

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Casablanca – 04/05/2007

[Getty Images] Moroccan Sufi artists perform at Mokri palace in Fez on April 27th during the first edition of the Sufi festival.

For six days, the people of Morocco’s spiritual capital of Fez hosted a festival honouring Sufi music and spirituality. The first Festival of Sufi Culture took place from April 27th to May 2nd, bringing together religious leaders and artists from around the world. The event featured a number of "samaa" evenings- nights filled with chanting and dance- as well as meetings and workshops, all centred around the theme "Sufism and human development".

The festival provided an opportunity for visitors to discover Morocco’s spiritual heritage and to display a side of Islam that is not often understood. Mahmoud Benzakour, a musician taking part in the festival, explained that Sufism is the mystical side of Islam that emphasizes love and peace, and whose message of universality transcends borders. Sufism, he said, creates a network for spirituality and co-operation in artistic, cultural and spiritual expression that provides balance and counters extremism.

Morocco has a long history with Sufism. Brotherhoods established by Sufi teachers were known for their leniency, and tolerance and have long been viewed as models of moral conduct to be emulated. Sufis founded institutions of learning run by local zaouias in towns and villages, many of which remain today and enjoy state support.

[Getty Images] Moroccan Sufi artist Abdelfettah Bennis (right) performs at the festival

"Morocco has always made a considerable effort to encourage Sufism," Jamila Tabiri, a young teacher, told Magharebia. "The country has produced such a remarkable number of Sufis that it is now known as the nation of Sufism. Encouragement for Sufism has not come about by accident, given the role that it plays in instilling tolerant religious values and in supporting Islam based on moderation and seeking the happy medium."

Faouzi Skelli, co-ordinator of the festival, explained that the event brings something new to people and opens up new areas for dialogue and co-operation. He feels that Sufism remains an under-developed resource, and that there is a need to seriously consider what message the peaceful nature of the faith could convey to contemporary society. Thus, one aim is to encourage Moroccans- especially the young- to take an interest in their heritage and attempt to understand Sufism’s sense of symbolism.

"What we do is equip young people culturally, intellectually, symbolically and emotionally to live a full life," Skelli said. To this end, organizers included well-known musicians in the event's line-up, including Morocco's Mohamed Bajeddoub, Syria's Hassan Haffar and Congo-born Frenchman, Abdelmalik. As a member of the Qadiriyya-Boutchichiyya tariqa (group) of Sufism, Abdelmalik bases his lyrical message on Sufi texts, speaking to a whole generation of young people, both in France and elsewhere.

Scholars from different specialties have used the festival as an opportunity for debate and discussion, around such themes as "Sufism and human rights", "Sufism and Moroccan history", and "Sufism and cultural diversity".

"Sufism is a way of thinking and living in harmony with one’s spirit," Samir Jebbali, a third-year economics student, said. He added that "the number of members at the Boutchichiyya zaouia alone far exceeds the membership of the largest political party in the land, thanks to state support for Sufism and the confidence shown by numerous Moroccans in these movements, which are well-known for their tolerance and their opposition to radical Islam." He concluded, saying "Sufism is, in fact, the epitome of moderate Islam."

[Getty Images] French slam singer Abdelmalik, who converted to Sufism, gives a concert on May 2nd

Faouzi Skelli feels that Sufism and spirituality are like a golden thread guiding each individual through the various cultures of Islam. He said that through Sufism, a dialogue between cultures and civilisations can be established. "In this way, the festival is able to spread a message of peace, tolerance, universality and spirituality throughout the world," he said.

Skelli added that the event provided an in-depth exploration of Islamic civilisation, through the lens of Sufism; in other words, the whole body of cultural expression, be it literary, poetic or artistic. The festival aims to renew links between Islam, and social and personal life. "Morocco could become a leader in this field, since it has everything it needs, in terms of both spirituality and heritage."

According to sociologist Hatim Maarougi, while the entire world is going through a period of extreme confusion on the question of religion, such an event can provide clear points of reference on the central, dominant place of Sufism in Morocco's past and present, and on the challenges which Sufism is able to tackle in a globalised world.

"At one stage, zaouias played the role of political parties, leading the people, and sometimes managing their everyday lives," Zahhoudi Outhmane, a bank clerk, declared. "While they may no longer fulfil this function today, their role is no less important than it was in the past. Sufism has, in fact, a role to play in attracting young people, to instil in them the true values of Islam and at the same time to move them away from radicalism," he added.

Maarougi stressed that Morocco should encourage more of such events, as Sufism looks to establish virtue and noble behaviour in individuals, and thus contributes to influencing the harmony of society as a whole.