Abd El Moneim Gadallah, M. (2025). “Al Murabitin’s Approach in Andalus: A field study of Sufism in Seville City, Spain”. Journal of the Faculty of Arts - Alexandria University, 75(121), 1-44. doi: 10.21608/bfalex.2025.441775
Manal Abd El Moneim Gadallah. "“Al Murabitin’s Approach in Andalus: A field study of Sufism in Seville City, Spain”". Journal of the Faculty of Arts - Alexandria University, 75, 121, 2025, 1-44. doi: 10.21608/bfalex.2025.441775
Abd El Moneim Gadallah, M. (2025). '“Al Murabitin’s Approach in Andalus: A field study of Sufism in Seville City, Spain”', Journal of the Faculty of Arts - Alexandria University, 75(121), pp. 1-44. doi: 10.21608/bfalex.2025.441775
Abd El Moneim Gadallah, M. “Al Murabitin’s Approach in Andalus: A field study of Sufism in Seville City, Spain”. Journal of the Faculty of Arts - Alexandria University, 2025; 75(121): 1-44. doi: 10.21608/bfalex.2025.441775
“Al Murabitin’s Approach in Andalus: A field study of Sufism in Seville City, Spain”
Our study revolves around one of the most important fields of human sciences, namely religious anthropology. The importance of Sufism and the interest in studying it has increased, but original investigations that reveal the truth of Sufism in its various aspects are still rare, even though those interested in studying its teachings are many. This was a strong motivation to increase research on real-life Sufism, using the traditional anthropological approach based on living and experiencing the Sufi experience. The research relies on three real-life examples of Al-Murabitun men in Western society. The study shows the role of these men and their perception in spreading the call of Islam in Western society in general and Andalusian society in particular. The Andalusian society is chosen as the geographical area for this study because of the unique cultural, religious, historical, and archaeological status of the region.
The field study lasted one year and five months from November 2020 to March 2022, using a case study approach that combines anthropological and psychological methods: “the psycho-anthropological approach” with the aim of identifying the subjective Sufi experience; which is more related to the soul, heart, revelation and inspiration, which is known among Sufis as esoteric or mystical knowledge. The study also identifies the similarities and differences between methods and individuals in the mystical experience by different origins, place and time.
One of the most important findings of the study is that although Sufism is obligatory for every Muslim in terms of striving towards morality, self-cultivation, and knowledge, it is not accessible to all those who seek and desire it, but only to a few chosen by God Almighty. Therefore, the Sufism of al-Murabitin begins with the gift and choice of God Almighty, with the pursuit of knowledge. This is the answer to the first question of the study. The fact that previous studies of Sufism in Egypt and Morocco have proven that Sufism varies among different societies due to the internal and/ or external challenges each society faces; the study in question proves that the sufism of Western societies differs from other societies, and this is the answer to the second question of the study. The sheikhs of the Al-Murabitin order emphasizes that their approach is based on a heart-to-heart relationship; and strengthening the spiritual bond between the murid and the sheikh by adhering to the rituals of the order and practicing the dhikr. This indicates that the Sufi orders are the same in terms of goal and purpose, while the difference lies in the method and approach. The majority of Sufis believe that they are God's chosen ones and have a strong sense of distinction, and that they have to exert effort in order to fulfill their responsibility towards God. As a result of this feeling, Western sufism is dynamic based on the courage of jihad and diligence in order to ascend and progress in the outer and inner worlds. This is the answer to the final question of the study.
Among the most important findings of the study is the imposition of Western Sufi to establish more Islamic institutes, scientific institutions and religious mosques in various European countries; This forced the Spanish authorities to respect Islamic rituals and even provide security for them in various private and public ceremonies. And the creation of an active webpages to introduce the Islamic religion and broadcast religious lessons to Spanish-speakers around the world.
The study recommends more Arabic anthropological studies of the cultural and social nature of various cities in Spain, especially those with an Islamic cultural impact, not only in Andalusia because of the history of Islamic civilization in the region, but also in other cities such as Valencia, Murcia, and Valencia. This indicates the influence of Islamic civilization on all cities in Spain, not only historically and archaeologically, but also culturally and socially.
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