The political role of Sufism, its nature, its evaluation and its future

: By: Noura Bendary

The Sufi stream played at the beginning of its activity a religious and spiritual activity that calls for the elevation of the pleasures of the world and its luxury and avoidance of its sedition. However, there was another role for Sufism, which is the political role, that emerged when large numbers of the society belong to it, which made it more influential in the structures of the state, especially political life.

Sufism became an influential player in the political equation. The Sufi stream's followers took part in fighting colonialism in many countries of the world. They also contributed to the Crusades, the Arab revolutions such as 1952 revolution in Egypt and the revolutions of the so-called "Arab Spring".

The nature of the political role of Sufism:

The political role of Sufism is represented in a number of elements that show how Sufism as a trend has influenced significantly in the political life of the countries in which it played this role, through several axes, including the following:

Drafting constitutions:

Some Sufi methods have contributed to the drafting of constitutions in some countries. The Constitution is considered the legal and political reference of any ruling regime. Thus, when Sufis participate in the formulation of their provisions, this is an important development for the Sufism.

The former Turkish president Mustafa Kemal Ataturk identified the position of the Turkish authorities towards Sufi groups and methods. This was reflected in the 1924 constitution, which left the Sufi groups free of any legal restrictions.

Establishment of political parties

In some countries, the Sufi stream has penetrated into political life through a vision that in order to represent a presence in the political scene and be effective in societies, political parties must be established.

In view of the African continent, specifically the Sudanese portal which embraces some 40 Sufi methods, Sufism is found in the Sudanese political scene through a number of political parties, such as the National Nation Party led by Sadiq al-Mahdi, which is based on the Ansar sect, that emerged from el Mahdia revolution. As well as, the "Democratic Unionist Party", which emerged from the sect "Khatmiya", and both communities are based on sufism.

In September 2011, the Political Parties Committee approved the establishment of the Egyptian Liberation Party, the first Sufi party in Egypt, headed by Ibrahim Zahran. The aim of the party, according to the "Azzami" method, was to enter the political sphere, October 2011 and includes several spectra of Sufi methods.

Participation in revolutions:

The Sufi stream contributed to the revolutions, to prove its political role, and that it is one of the active and influential stteams in society. For example, some Sufi methods played a role in the Algerian revolution, in particular the way established by Sidi Ahmed Ouyahia, Where about 30 students joined the Algerian National Liberation Front and the National Liberation Army in 1956 against the French occupation of Algeria, and stopped teaching during the revolution of 1857 against French colonialism.

In Egypt, some Sufi methods participated in the Egyptian revolutions that took place throughout Egyptian history. From their participation in the 1919 revolution to the 1952 revolution and then the January 2011 revolution and the June 2013 revolution.

According to Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani, Sheikh of the Tujani-Sufi method, the Sufi movement has a great participation in political affairs, whether it is old or new. But those who participated in the January revolution are the young Sufis who refused to remain silent on what they called "crimes committed by the Mubarak regime". The participation of the Sufi youth in this revolution has had a remarkable impact, creating a national movement and a gathering of the spectrums of the Egyptian people.

Fighting terrorism:

Sufism is an Islamic weapon to counter the attempts of extremism based on ignorance, and do not realize the real significance of the correct religion.

Therefore, many countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Senegal and Egypt are working to support some Sufi methods to help them end the violence under the umbrella of Islam and to extract the fuse of terrorism. This is due to their view that thought can play a major role in containing the enthusiasm of some young people of jihad.

This is evidenced by the Sufism of Algeria, which is the state weapon for the fight against terrorism. This was clearly demonstrated by the moral support provided by the Algerian executive authority to Sufism, especially President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to fight extremist ideas.