Sufi politics in Senegal

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Book chapter

Title:	Sufi politics in Senegal
Author:	Cruise O'Brien, D.B.
Book title:	Islam in the political process
Year:	1983
Pages:	122-137
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Senegal
Subjects:	Muslim brotherhoods politics Sufism
Abstract:	To be a Muslim in Senegal is almost automatically to be affiliated to a Sufi order. Three of these orders, Qadiriyya, Tijaniyya, and Mouride, clearly control the eminently political world of Senegalese Islam. The leaders have extensive spiritual clienteles which may readily be turned to political account. The author reviews the structure of Senegalese Sufism, challenges to Sufi dominance, and interbrotherhood rivalry. Now that the two principal offices of state - president and prime minister - are occupied by politicians at least nominally affiliated to the Tijaniyya Brotherhood, it remains to be seen whether they can assert their authority without exciting further inter-Islamic jealousies. The ingredients of religious strife are certainly present, but the political leaders are no doubt well aware of the dangers involved and have had ample occasion to observe a master cook - Léopold Sédar Senghor - at work. Notes.