Algerian Sufism and religious transnationalism in the Sahara and Sahel region: A test of resilience in the face of mobile Islamism

Abstract

Religious movements that transcend national borders pose a significant challenge to Algerian Sufism, which is locally rooted yet regionally interconnected. This study explores the dynamics between Algerian Sufism and mobile Islamism seeking to establish itself in the Sahel region. It examines, firstly, the impact of transnational networks on the spread of Sufism and its adaptation in Algeria and neighbouring countries; and, secondly, how the exchange of practices and teachings among religious scholars contributes to the harmonisation of Sufi traditions, whilst grounding them in local contexts. The study also highlights the central role of major Sufi orders, such as the Tijaniyyah, Qadiriyyah, Rahmaniyyah, Shadhiliyyah, Balqaydiyyah and Muridiyyah, which maintain close ties with their counterparts in neighbouring countries; these transnational networks facilitate the exchange of religious teachings and practices.

Algerian Sufism has developed innovative strategies of resistance in the face of the rise of radical Islamism, focusing on strengthening Sufi identity, developing social and charitable activities, utilising the media and digital technology, as well as cooperating with the authorities and fostering dialogue between different communities and the local population.

This study seeks to examine Algerian Sufism  as a Sufi-order-based counter-narrative to radical Islam, through the lens of transnational religiosity in the Sahel-Sahara region. At a time when armed jihadist and rebel groups are working to undermine state institutions in the region, Sufism, with its various branches and orders, offers an alternative narrative to jihadism, whilst remaining part of transnational dynamics.

This research aims to highlight the crucial role played by Algerian Sufism in promoting a moderate and tolerant Islam in the face of the challenges posed by the Islamist movement in the Sahel and the Sahara region; it is a research contribution towards a better understanding of transnational religious dynamics and their security, social and identity-related issues.