Deepening Spiritual Connections Between Morocco and Mali

The rich religious and spiritual ties that bind Morocco and Mali have emerged as a powerful force in fostering closer relations between the two nations. This profound connection is harmonizing with the growing wave of cooperation and dialogue currently taking place between Rabat and Bamako. Recently, Cheikh Sidi Mohamed El Kébir Tidjani, the esteemed general khalifa of the Tijaniyya order in Morocco, embarked on a visit to Mali that underscores this bond.

During his visit, which took place on Saturday, August 22, Cheikh Tidjani presided over the National Wazifa, a significant event dedicated to promoting peace, cohesion, and stability within Mali. This gathering was co-hosted with Mahamadou Koné, the minister of religious affairs, worship, and customs in Mali. The event, organized by the National Federal Council of Followers of the Tijaniyya Tariqa in Mali, was held at the Grand Mosque in Bamako and attracted a large audience of worshippers and Moroccan embassy representatives.

The Wazifa, a cornerstone of the Tijani practice, serves as a vital occasion for collective prayer, spiritual meditation, and recitation, resonating across several West African nations. In addition to this pivotal gathering, Cheikh Tidjani attended the inauguration of the entrance examination for the Mohammed VI Institute for the Training of Imams, Morchidines, and Morchidates in Rabat. This event took place at the Islamic Cultural Center in Bamako, led by Mali's minister of religious affairs.

The establishment of the National Federal Council of Followers of the Tijaniyya in Bamako in September 2022 has further solidified the capital's position as a key center for the Tijani brotherhood in West Africa. This visit by Cheikh Tidjani follows closely on the heels of Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita's trip to Bamako on July 24, where he engaged in discussions with President Assimi Goïta amid the backdrop of the Morocco-Mali High Joint Commission's recent session in the Malian capital. Notably, on April 10, the Malian government formally recognized Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara, further enhancing the diplomatic ties between the two countries.

As reported by en.yabiladi.com.