The Tijani Tariqa has contributed to enriching religious and spiritual communication ties between Morocco and African countries, in particular with Senegal, said, Saturday evening in Dakar, Morocco’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq.
Speaking at the opening of the 44th Islamic Cultural Days, organized by the Tijane Coordination of Dakar, under the High Patronage of King Mohammed VI, the Minister stressed that Senegal has been able to enshrine civilizational and spiritual relations with Morocco, “which has favored the spread of Sufi teachings to those who aspire to purification among Moroccans in the West African part, and particularly in Senegal”.
This role has enabled this Tariqa to play a historic part in bolstering religious and spiritual communication ties between Morocco and Africa, Toufiq stated, emphasizing the importance of these Islamic cultural days, which bring together eminent scholars of the Tijani Tariqa and its disciples to discuss the projects and actions of the Zaouias in Senegal, a fraternal country.
On the same occasion, the Minister conveyed the greetings of King Mohammed VI to the Tijane brotherhood, highlighting the great care the Sovereign attaches to the Tijanes and his concern to preserve the distinguished fraternal ties between Morocco and Senegal.
In an address read out on his behalf, Khalife General of the Tijianes Sereigne Babacar Sy Mohamed Mansour, highlighted the role of King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, and his ongoing actions to preserve religious constants and strengthen spiritual relations between Morocco and Senegal, while expressing the commitment of both countries to promoting a supportive and active South-South cooperation.
He also highlighted the key role played by the Institution of the Commandery of the Faithful in preserving religious values and strengthening common human ties in Africa.
The official opening ceremony of the Islamic Cultural Days, held on the esplanade of Dakar’s Grand Mosque and placed under the honorary presidency of Senegalese Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was attended by Senegal’s Minister of the Interior and Public Security Jean Baptiste Tine, Morocco’s Ambassador to Senegal Hassan Naciri, and other Moroccan and Senegalese personalities.
Considered one of the most important Tijani Tariqa events in Senegal, the Dakar Islamic Cultural Days have been held, since 1986, under the high patronage of the Late King Hassan II, and subsequently under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI.