Sufi Orders in West Africa: A Historical Review

Abstract:
   Sufism entered the West African region since the fifteenth century AD, with the efforts of the followers of the Qadiriya order, followed by the Tijaniyya after that. The Sufi formations worked to spread Islam and its teachings throughout West Africa, fight paganism and worshiping idols, while fighting the colonial project with all its might.
   The Sufi orders in West Africa today have great influence and impact in various fields of life, whether in the political, social, economic or cultural spheres, but their future depends on reform efforts and interest in Islamic scholarship.
   In this article we will shed light on Sufism and its most important formations in West Africa, through two axes: a brief overview of the history of Sufism in West Africa, and Sufi orders in West Africa: reality and the future.
   There will be a brief presentation of the history of Sufism’s arrival in West Africa, the most prominent factors of the spread and stability of Sufism, the characteristics of African Sufism, the major Sufi orders in West Africa, the relations between the Sufi orders there, and the future of Sufism in West Africa, both presence and influence.