In the complex tapestry of colonial history, one thread is often overlooked: the systematic suppression of Sufism. Sufis, with their deep spiritual roots and unyielding resistance, represented a formidable obstacle to European imperial ambitions across Muslim lands. As colonial powers sought to establish and maintain their dominance, they found an unexpected but convenient ally in the radical Wahhabi ideology propagated by Ibn Saud. This alliance not only facilitated the colonial agenda but also ensured the marginalization of Sufism, both theologically and physically.

The Essence of Sufism

Sufism, or Tasawwuf, is often described as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. As Abu ’l-Qasim al-Qushayri illustrates in his famous “Epistle on Sufism,” Sufis are those who have been chosen by God to be His awliyaa’ or intimate friends, elevated through divine knowledge and love to a state of spiritual purity and enlightenment. Al-Qushayri emphasizes that true Sufis embody humility, devotion, and a profound sense of God’s presence, guiding others through their exemplary behavior and deep understanding of spiritual truths.

Al-Junayd, one of the early Sufi masters, described Sufism as a journey of transformation, where one “owns nothing and nothing owns you” and where a Sufi “turns oneself over to God Most High, so that He may do with you what He wants” . This profound spirituality and detachment from worldly desires made Sufis formidable opponents to any form of oppression or injustice.

The Fierce Resistance of Sufi Orders

Throughout history, Sufi orders (Tariqas) have been at the forefront of resistance against colonial invaders. Leaders like Abdul Qadir al-Jazairi of the Qadiri Tariqa in Algeria, Omar al-Mukhtar of the Senusi Tariqa in Libya, Muhammad Abdullah of the Salihiya Tariqa in Somalia, and the Mahdi of the Samaniya Tariqa in Sudan exemplified this resistance. These figures were not merely spiritual leaders but also military strategists and symbols of defiance against foreign rule.

Omar al-Mukhtar, famously known as “The Lion of the Desert,” encapsulated this spirit of resistance with his words, “We either win or we die, it’s just as simple as that.” These Sufi leaders, driven by a desire for justice and devoid of worldly aspirations, posed a significant threat to colonial powers, who were bewildered and unprepared for such tenacious opposition.

The fierce resistance mounted by Sufi leaders was deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs, which emphasized justice, humility, and steadfastness. Their dedication to defending their lands and people from colonial domination was a direct challenge to European powers who sought to exploit these regions for their own gain.

The Role of the Ottoman Khalifa

The Ottoman Empire, with the Khalifa (Caliph) at its helm, provided a unifying political and spiritual authority that further complicated colonial ambitions. The Khalifa was not only a religious figurehead but also a symbol of Muslim unity and resistance. European powers, aware of the influence wielded by the Khalifa and Sufi leaders, sought to dismantle this structure to weaken organized resistance.

The Ottoman Khalifa’s influence extended across vast territories, uniting diverse Muslim communities under a common spiritual and political banner. This unity was a significant impediment to colonial powers, who needed to fragment and weaken these communities to establish their dominance. By undermining the Khalifa’s authority and promoting divisions within the Muslim world, colonial powers sought to dismantle this unified front.

Wahhabism: The Convenient Ally

Enter Wahhabism, an ideology that emerged from the deserts of Arabia under the leadership of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and later embraced by Ibn Saud. Wahhabism’s puritanical and rigid interpretation of Islam stood in stark contrast to the inclusive and spiritually rich traditions of Sufism. This austere form of Islam denounced many Sufi practices as heretical and sought to eradicate them.

Colonial powers, particularly the British, saw Wahhabism as an ideal tool to undermine Sufism and, by extension, the Ottoman Khalifa. By supporting Ibn Saud and his Wahhabi movement, the British found a way to delegitimize the spiritual and political authority of Sufi leaders and the Khalifa. This alignment was not only strategic but also ideological, as Wahhabism’s rigid worldview conveniently portrayed Muslims as ‘savages,’ thereby justifying the colonial mission to ‘civilize’ them.

The promotion of Wahhabism served a dual purpose for colonial powers. It fragmented Muslim societies by pitting different Islamic interpretations against each other and provided a simplistic narrative that reinforced colonial stereotypes about the ‘backwardness’ of Muslim societies. This narrative was used to justify the imposition of colonial rule and the suppression of indigenous resistance movements.

The Erasure of Sufism

With the support of colonial powers, Wahhabism embarked on a campaign to erase Sufism from the Muslim world. Sufi shrines were destroyed, spiritual practices were banned, and Sufi leaders were persecuted. The theology of Wahhabism attacked Sufism both intellectually and physically, branding it as un-Islamic and targeting its practitioners for punishment.

This systematic erasure of Sufism had devastating effects on the cultural and spiritual fabric of Muslim societies. Sufi orders, which had served as centers of learning, spirituality, and resistance, were dismantled. The rich traditions of poetry, music, and mysticism associated with Sufism were suppressed, leading to a cultural void that was filled by the more rigid and doctrinaire interpretations of Wahhabism.

Moreover, Wahhabis managed to trick many Muslims into believing that Sufism was a deviation from true Islam, rather than a sincere and intense engagement with the faith. As Abu ’l-Qasim al-Qushayri remarked, “Sufism is a noble moral character trait that a noble person shows in a noble moment in time” . By misrepresenting Sufism as laxity or innovation, Wahhabism not only undermined the spiritual depth of Islamic practice but also severed the connection to a rich intellectual heritage.

Influence in North America

Saudi Arabia today has effectively exported Wahhabi and Salafi ideologies to North America, funding numerous mosques and Islamic centers. This funding often brings with it a specific doctrinal influence, leading many Muslims to adopt Salafi practices without realizing it. According to reports, the Saudi government has spent billions to propagate these ideologies globally, establishing a network of institutions that promote a conservative interpretation of Islam. This well-funded campaign has overshadowed other Islamic traditions and scholars, leading to a homogenized and often rigid form of religious practice.

In North America, this influence has led to the marginalization of diverse Islamic traditions and the spread of a more uniform and narrow interpretation of Islam. Many Muslims, unaware of the origins of these teachings, have embraced Salafi practices, believing them to be the authentic expression of their faith. This has created tensions within Muslim communities and contributed to the erosion of the rich cultural and intellectual heritage that characterized Islamic civilization for centuries.

Apathy Towards Despots and Human Rights Violations

The alliance between Wahhabi ideology and despotic regimes is evident in the lack of critique and reform within many Muslim-majority countries. Wahhabism’s emphasis on obedience to authority has often translated into tacit support for tyrannical rulers. This apathy towards despots undermines efforts to address widespread human rights violations.

One of the most harrowing examples of this is the 2002 incident in Saudi Arabia, where 14 schoolgirls died in a fire because the religious police prevented them from leaving the burning building due to their lack of proper Islamic dress. This tragic event highlights the extent to which extreme adherence to Wahhabi principles can override basic human compassion and the right to life.

Additionally, the jailing and persecution of individuals who speak out against despotic regimes is a recurrent theme in countries influenced by Wahhabi ideology. The death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a vocal critic of the Saudi government, underscores the risks faced by those who challenge authoritarian rule.

The failure to address human rights abuses and the suppression of dissent have created a climate of fear and repression in many Muslim-majority countries. This environment stifles creativity, innovation, and social progress, trapping these societies in a cycle of stagnation and authoritarianism.

Lack of Human Rights Advocacy

Wahhabi and Salafi ideologies have also been criticized for their inadequate stance on human rights. These ideologies often prioritize doctrinal purity over the promotion of justice and equality. This has led to significant human rights abuses, including gender discrimination, suppression of free speech, and lack of religious freedom.

The rigid interpretation of Islamic law promoted by Wahhabism often conflicts with universal human rights principles, leading to practices that are widely condemned by the international community. The lack of a robust human rights framework within these ideologies has contributed to the perpetuation of injustice and inequality in many Muslim-majority countries.

The Need for Democratic Structures and Reform

To counter the detrimental effects of Wahhabi and Salafi ideologies, it is crucial to promote democratic structures that are inherently Islamic that encourage critical thinking, accountability, and respect for human rights. Islamic democratic institutions provide the framework necessary for innovation, reform, and the protection of individual freedoms.

By fostering an environment where individuals can freely question, critique, and innovate, the Muslim world can reconnect with its rich intellectual heritage and move towards a more just and progressive society.

The story of how colonial powers and Wahhabism conspired to silence Sufism is a sobering reminder of the complex interplay between politics, ideology, and religion. It highlights the resilience of Sufi leaders who stood firm in the face of overwhelming odds and the devastating impact of their suppression.