Al-Tijaniyyah sufi order and its practices in Nigeria : a critical analysis

Abstract

This research explores the core teachings and practices of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order as contained in al-Mafahim al-Tijaniyyah of Shaykh Muhammad Awwal Otolorin, limited to Omupo, Kwara State, Nigeria. It examines the content of al- Mafahim al-Tijaniyyah concerning the teachings of the Qur'an and Sunnah, its historical context, doctrinal features, spiritual practices, and their impact on the Tijaniyyah community of Nigeria. The research also analyses the key themes contained in al- Mafahim al-Tijaniyyah, such as Salat al-fatil:, jawharat al-kamal, and al-istighathah to juxtapose its conformity or otherwise with the Qur'an and Sunnah. It elucidates how the Tijaniyyah practices, such as Mawlid Nabbiyyi, have shaped the religious, social, economic, and political lives of the Tijaniyyah adherents. In addition, the contentious debate between the protagonists and antagonists was examined through relevant literature that substantially reveals an age-long rivalry between the Tijani and non-Tijanis. The research utilises a qualitative analysis and structured interview to evaluate the collected data. It focuses on the unifying features and the possible problems caused by doctrinal differences. Additionally, the questions address the interactions between Tijani and non-Tijani Muslims, highlighting areas of both cooperation and conflict. Through a combination of content analysis and interviews, this research aims to comprehensively understand the Tijaniyyah Sufi order's role in shaping contemporary Islamic practices and interfaith dynamics in Omupo. The findings emphasize the Tijaniyyah Sufi order's role in supporting spiritual growth, communal cohesiveness, and cultural preservation, as well as the problems of maintaining doctrinal purity and building interfaith cooperation in a diverse religious society. The findings revealed that while the Tijaniyyah order has significantly contributed to Nigerian Muslim communities' spiritual and social fabric, it also faces challenges from doctrinal disputes and inter-group relations. This work enhances the scholarly discussion on Sufism in Nigeria by providing valuable observations on the dynamic interplay between religious heritage and contemporary practices.