Amadou Bamba
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Ahmadou Bamba Mbacke ( wo, Ahmadu Bamba Mbacke, ar, أحمد بن محمد بن حبيب الله ''Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad ibn Ḥabīb Allāh'', 1853–1927) also known to followers as Khādimu 'al-Rasūl () or "The Servant of the Messenger" and Serigne Touba or "
Sheikh Sheikh (pronounced or ; ar, شيخ ' , mostly pronounced , plural ' )—also transliterated sheekh, sheyikh, shaykh, shayk, shekh, shaik and Shaikh, shak—is an honorific title in the Arabic language. It commonly designates a chief of a ...
of Tuubaa", was a
Sufi Sufism ( ar, ''aṣ-ṣūfiyya''), also known as Tasawwuf ( ''at-taṣawwuf''), is a mystic body of religious practice, found mainly within Sunni Islam but also within Shia Islam, which is characterized by a focus on Islamic spirituality, ...
saint (
Wali A wali (''wali'' ar, وَلِيّ, '; plural , '), the Arabic word which has been variously translated "master", "authority", "custodian", "protector", is most commonly used by Muslims to indicate an Islamic saint, otherwise referred to by the ...
) and religious leader in
Senegal Senegal,; Wolof: ''Senegaal''; Pulaar: 𞤅𞤫𞤲𞤫𞤺𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭 (Senegaali); Arabic: السنغال ''As-Sinighal'') officially the Republic of Senegal,; Wolof: ''Réewum Senegaal''; Pulaar : 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 ...
and the founder of the large
Mouride The Mouride brotherhood ( wo, yoonu murit, ar, الطريقة المريدية ''aṭ-Ṭarīqat al-Murīdiyyah'' or simply , ''al-Murīdiyyah'') is a large ''tariqa'' ( Sufi order) most prominent in Senegal and The Gambia with headquarters in ...
Brotherhood (the ''Muridiyya''). Mbacke produced poems and tracts on meditation, rituals, work, and
Quran The Quran (, ; Standard Arabic: , Classical Arabic, Quranic Arabic: , , 'the recitation'), also romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a revelation in Islam, revelation from God in Islam, ...
ic study. He led a pacifist struggle against the
French colonial empire The French colonial empire () comprised the overseas colonies, protectorates and mandate territories that came under French rule from the 16th century onward. A distinction is generally made between the "First French Colonial Empire", that exist ...
travelling across the Atlantic Ocean while not waging outright war on the French like several prominent
Tijani The Tijāniyyah ( ar, الطريقة التجانية, Al-Ṭarīqah al-Tijāniyyah, The Tijānī Path) is a Sufi tariqa (order, path), originating in the Maghreb but now more widespread in West Africa, particularly in Senegal, The Gambia, ...
marabout A marabout ( ar, مُرابِط, murābiṭ, lit=one who is attached/garrisoned) is a Muslim religious leader and teacher who historically had the function of a chaplain serving as a part of an Islamic army, notably in North Africa and the Saha ...
s had done.


Early life

Ahmadou Bamba was born in 1853 in the village of
Mbacké Mbacké (Mbàkke in Wolof) is a city in central Senegal, located east of Dakar. It is the capital of an administrative department in the Diourbel region. Along with the nearby city of Touba, Mbacké forms an urban conurbation whose population c ...
(''Mbàkke Bawol'' in Wolof) in
Baol The Kingdom of Baol or Bawol in central Senegal was one of the kingdoms that arose from the split-up of the Empire of Jolof (Diolof) in 1555. The ruler ( Teigne or Teen) reigned from a capital in Diourbel. The Kingdom encompassed a strip of l ...
, the son of Habibullah Bouso Mbacke, a
Marabout A marabout ( ar, مُرابِط, murābiṭ, lit=one who is attached/garrisoned) is a Muslim religious leader and teacher who historically had the function of a chaplain serving as a part of an Islamic army, notably in North Africa and the Saha ...
from the
Qadiriyya The Qadiriyya (), also transliterated Qādirīyah, ''Qadri'', ''Qadriya'', ''Kadri'', ''Elkadri'', ''Elkadry'', ''Aladray'', ''Alkadrie'', ''Adray'', ''Kadray'', ''Kadiri'', ''Qadiri'', ''Quadri'' or ''Qadri'' are members of the Sunni Qadiri ta ...
, the oldest
tariqa A tariqa (or ''tariqah''; ar, طريقة ') is a school or order of Sufism, or specifically a concept for the mystical teaching and spiritual practices of such an order with the aim of seeking ''haqiqa'', which translates as "ultimate truth". ...
(Sufi order) in Senegal, and Maryam Bousso.


Family and genealogy

Bamba was the second son of Maam Mor Anta Saly Mbacke and Maam Mariyama Bousso. Both of his parents were descended from the well-known patriarch Maam Mahram Mbacke, with their ancestors hailing from Fouta, northern Senegal. The following list of ancestors, descendants, and companions of Sheikh Bamba has been adapted from Mbacke (2016). Ancestors: *Maam Mor Anta Saly Mbacke (father). His Teacher was Muhammad Sall, who hailed from Bamba village. * Mame Diarra Bousso (Mama Diaara Bousso) (mother). Her family came from Golléré, a village near Fouta and
Mbacké Mbacké (Mbàkke in Wolof) is a city in central Senegal, located east of Dakar. It is the capital of an administrative department in the Diourbel region. Along with the nearby city of Touba, Mbacké forms an urban conurbation whose population c ...
. Today, Mama Diaara is celebrated annually by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at
Porokhane Porokhane (also spelled Prokhane) is a town and commune near Nioro du Rip in Paoskoto Arrondissement, Kaolack Region, Senegal. It is a major pilgrimage site for the Mourides of Senegal. Pilgrimage Porokhane is a place of annual pilgrimage k ...
, where she remains buried. **Maam Mor Anta Saly (
Mama Diaara Bousso Mame Diarra Bousso (1833–1866) is a Sufi saint from Senegal. The annual pilgrimage to the site of her death and mausoleum is the only Muslim pilgrimage dedicated to a woman in Senegal. She was the mother of Ahmadou Bamba. Biography Bousso was bor ...
's father) was a highly respected Islamic scholar. *Maam Balla Aicha (paternal grandfather). He was the youngest son of Maam Mahram. *Maam Mahram Mbacke (paternal great-grandfather). He was both a well-known
qadi A qāḍī ( ar, قاضي, Qāḍī; otherwise transliterated as qazi, cadi, kadi, or kazi) is the magistrate or judge of a '' sharīʿa'' court, who also exercises extrajudicial functions such as mediation, guardianship over orphans and mino ...
and the founder of
Mbacké Mbacké (Mbàkke in Wolof) is a city in central Senegal, located east of Dakar. It is the capital of an administrative department in the Diourbel region. Along with the nearby city of Touba, Mbacké forms an urban conurbation whose population c ...
. **El Hadji
Malick Sy El-Hadji Malick Sy ( ff, Allaaji Maalik Si, 1853–1922) was a Senegalese religious leader and teacher in the Tijaniyya Sufi Malikite and Ash'arite brotherhood. Life Born in Gaya, northern Senegal, to a Fulani family, El-Hadji Malick Sy traveled ...
Tidiane (great-great-grandson of Maam Mahram Mbacke). El Hadji
Malick Sy El-Hadji Malick Sy ( ff, Allaaji Maalik Si, 1853–1922) was a Senegalese religious leader and teacher in the Tijaniyya Sufi Malikite and Ash'arite brotherhood. Life Born in Gaya, northern Senegal, to a Fulani family, El-Hadji Malick Sy traveled ...
Tidiane's paternal grandmother was Maam Maty Mbacke (the daughter of Mame Thierno Farimata Mbacke, who was Maam Mahram Mbacke's son). Descendants: *Sheikh Bachir Mouhamadoul (son) was Amadou Bamba's biographer. *Sheikh Mouhamadou Lamine Bara Mbacke (1891-1936). Third son. **
Serigne Sidi Moukhtar Mbacké Serigne Sidi Moukhtar Mbacké (also spelled Serigne Sidy Muqtar Mbacke; Cheikh Sidy Mokhtar Mbacké) (11 July 1924 – 9 January 2018) was a Senegalese religious leader. He served as the Caliph of the Mouride movement, a large Sufi order based i ...
(grandson). Seventh caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood. Son of Sheikh Mouhamadou Lamine Bara Mbacke. *Sheikh Mouhamadoul Bachir (1895–1966). Fourth son. **Serigne Moustapha Mbacke Bassirou (grandson). Eldest son of Sheikh Mouhamadoul Bachir. He modernized
Porokhane Porokhane (also spelled Prokhane) is a town and commune near Nioro du Rip in Paoskoto Arrondissement, Kaolack Region, Senegal. It is a major pilgrimage site for the Mourides of Senegal. Pilgrimage Porokhane is a place of annual pilgrimage k ...
village, founded the Maam Diaara foundation, and set up a girls' boarding school in Porokhane that can accommodate 400 students. *
Serigne Mouhamadou Moustapha Mbacké Serigne Mouhamadou Moustapha Mbacké (Serigne Muhammadu Moustapha Mbacke; Wolof: Sëriñ Muhammadu Mustafaa Mbàkke; 1888-1945) was a Senegalese religious leader. He served as the first Caliph of the Mouride brotherhood, a large Sufi order based ...
(son). First caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood. **Serigne Sheikh Gaindé Fatma (grandson, and also the first caliph's eldest son). Gaindé Fatma founded French-language and Arabic-language schools, provided scholarships, and was an important community figure who focused on advancing education in Senegal. *
Serigne Mouhamadou Fallilou Mbacké Serigne Mouhamadou Fallou Mbacké (Serigne Muhammadu Fadal Mbacke; Wolof: Sëriñ Muhammadu Fallou Mbàkke; 1888-1968) was a Senegalese religious leader. He served as the second Caliph of the Mouride brotherhood, a large Sufi order based in Seneg ...
(son). Second caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood. *
Serigne Abdou Ahad Mbacké Serigne Abdou Ahad Mbacké (Serigne Abdul Ahad Mbacke; Wolof: Sëriñ Abdul Ahad Mbàkke; 1914-1989) was a Senegalese religious leader. He served as the third Caliph of the Mouride brotherhood, a large Sufi order based in Senegal, from 1968 until ...
(son). Third caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood. *
Serigne Abdou Khadr Mbacké Serigne Abdou Khadr Mbacké (Serigne Abdu Qadr Mbacke; Wolof: Sëriñ Abdu Xaadir Mbàkke; 1914-1990) was a Senegalese religious leader. He served as the fourth Caliph of the Mouride brotherhood, a large Sufi order based in Senegal, from 1989 unt ...
(son). Fourth caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood. * Serigne Saliou Mbacké (son). Fifth caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood, and the last surviving son of Bamba. ** Serigne Mouhamadou Lamine Bara Mbacké. Sixth caliph of the Mouride Brotherhood, and the nephew of the fifth caliph Serigne Saliou Mbacké. Siblings: *Maam Mor Diarra, uterine brother. Today, he is revered by his city, Sahm. *Maam Thierno Birahim Mbacke, younger brother. He took care of Bamba's family and community while he was exiled by French colonial authorities. Today, he is revered by his city, Darou Mousti. *Maam Sheikh Anta Darou Salam, a Mouride businessman. Today, he is revered by his city, Darou Salam. *Serigne Massamba. He copied Bamba's writings. *Serigne Afe Mbacke Other important people associated with Bamba: *Sheikh Mouhamadou Lamine Diop Dagana, Bamba's biographer and companion *Serigne Dame Abdourahmane Lo, teacher of Bamba's children *Sheikh Adama Gueye, the first Mouride follower *Maam Sheikh
Ibrahima Fall Sheikh Ibrahima Fall (1855–1930) was a disciple of Sheikh Aamadu Bàmba Mbàkke, founder of the Mouride Brotherhood movement in West Africa. Well known in the Mouride Brotherhood, Ibrahima Fall established the influential Baye Fall movement. ...
, founder of the
Baye Fall Baye Djiby Fall (born 20 April 1985), often referred to simply as Djiby, is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a forward. Fall last played for Hobro IK in the 2018–19 Danish Superliga. Fall has previously played professional f ...
community


Foundation of Mouridiyya and Touba

Ahmadou Bamba founded the
Mouride The Mouride brotherhood ( wo, yoonu murit, ar, الطريقة المريدية ''aṭ-Ṭarīqat al-Murīdiyyah'' or simply , ''al-Murīdiyyah'') is a large ''tariqa'' ( Sufi order) most prominent in Senegal and The Gambia with headquarters in ...
brotherhood in 1883, with its capital in
Touba Touba (Hassaniya Arabic: , 'Felicity'; Wolof: Tuubaa) is a city in central Senegal, part of Diourbel Region and Mbacké district. With a population of 529,176 in 2010, it is the second most populated Senegalese city after Dakar. It is the holy ...
, Senegal. Today, Touba serves as the location of the sub-Saharan Africa's largest mosque, which was built by the Mourides. Ahmadou Bamba's teachings emphasized the virtues of
pacifism Pacifism is the opposition or resistance to war, militarism (including conscription and mandatory military service) or violence. Pacifists generally reject theories of Just War. The word ''pacifism'' was coined by the French peace campaign ...
, hard work and good manners through what is commonly known as ''Jihādu nafs'' which emphasizes a personal struggle over "negative instincts." As an
ascetic Asceticism (; from the el, ἄσκησις, áskesis, exercise', 'training) is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world for their p ...
marabout who wrote tracts on
meditation Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally cal ...
, rituals, work, and Quranic study, he is perhaps best known for his emphasis on work and industriousness. Bamba's followers call him a
mujaddid A ''mujaddid'' ( ar, مجدد), is an Islamic term for one who brings "renewal" ( ar, تجديد, translit=tajdid, label=none) to the religion. According to the popular Muslim tradition, it refers to a person who appears at the turn of every ...
("renewer of
Islam Islam (; ar, ۘالِإسلَام, , ) is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic Monotheism#Islam, monotheistic religion centred primarily around the Quran, a religious text considered by Muslims to be the direct word of God in Islam, God (or ...
"), citing a
hadith Ḥadīth ( or ; ar, حديث, , , , , , , literally "talk" or "discourse") or Athar ( ar, أثر, , literally "remnant"/"effect") refers to what the majority of Muslims believe to be a record of the words, actions, and the silent approval ...
that implies that God will send renewers of the faith every 100 years (the members of all the Senegalese brotherhoods claim that their founders were such renewers). Abdoul Ahad Mbacke, the third
Caliph A caliphate or khilāfah ( ar, خِلَافَة, ) is an institution or public office under the leadership of an Islamic steward with the title of caliph (; ar, خَلِيفَة , ), a person considered a political-religious successor to th ...
(Mouride leader) and son of Ahmadou Bamba, declared that Ahmadou Bamba had met the prophet Muhammad in his dreams, a tale that has become an article of faith for Mouride believers. During the month of
Ramadan , type = islam , longtype = Religious , image = Ramadan montage.jpg , caption=From top, left to right: A crescent moon over Sarıçam, Turkey, marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan. Ramadan Quran reading in Bandar Torkaman, Iran. ...
1895, Muhammed and his companions appeared to him in a dream in Touba to confer upon him the rank of ''mujaddid'' of his age, and to test his faith. From this, Bamba is said to also have been conferred the rank of "Servant of the Prophet." He founded the city of Touba in 1887. In one of his numerous writings, ''Matlabul Fawzeyni'' (the quest for happiness in both worlds), Bamba describes the purpose of the city, which was intended to reconcile the spiritual and the temporal.


Facing colonial rule and exile

As Bamba's fame and influence spread, the French colonial government worried about his growing power and potential to wage war against them. He had stirred "anti-colonial disobedience" and even converted a number of traditional kings and their followers and no doubt could have raised a huge military force, as Muslim leaders like
Umar Tall Hadji Oumarûl Foutiyou Tall (Umar ibn Sa'id al-Futi Tal, ar, حاج عمر بن سعيد طعل), ( – 1864 CE), born in Futa Tooro, present day Senegal, was a West African political leader, Islamic scholar, Tijani Sufi and Toucouleur ...
and
Samory Touré Samory Toure ( – June 2, 1900), also known as Samori Toure, Samory Touré, or Almamy Samore Lafiya Toure, was a Muslim cleric, a military strategist, and the founder and leader of the Wassoulou Empire, an Islamic empire that was in present-day ...
had before him. During this time, the French army and French colonial government were weary of Muslim leaders inciting revolts as they finished taking over Senegal. The phobia of the colonial administration at the place of any Islamic movement made the judgements given to the Privy Council often constitute lawsuits of intention to religious leaders. Stopped in Diéwol, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba was transferred to the office of the Governor of the colonial administration in Saint-Louis (Senegal). On Thursday September 5, 1895, he appeared before the Privy Council ( Conseil d'Etat) of Saint-Louis to rule on his case. Ahmadou Bamba prayed two
rakat A Rak'ah ( ar, ركعة ', ; plural: ') is a single iteration of prescribed movements and supplications performed by Muslims as part of the prescribed obligatory prayer known as salah. Each of the five daily prayers observed by Muslims consis ...
in the Governor's office before addressing the council, declaring his firm intention to be subjected to God alone. With this symbolic prayer and stance in the sanctuary of the deniers of Islam, Bamba came to embody a new form of nonviolent resistance against the aims of colonial
evangelists Evangelists may refer to: * Evangelists (Christianity), Christians who specialize in evangelism * Four Evangelists, the authors of the four Gospel accounts in the New Testament * ''The Evangelists ''The Evangelists'' (''Evangheliştii'' in Roma ...
. Proof of Bamba having recited these prayers is not included in colonial archives, but is rather based on the testimonies of his disciples. As a result of Bamba's prayers, the Privy Council decided to deport him to "a place where its fanatic preachings would not have any effect". and exiled him to the equatorial forest of Gabon, where he remained for seven years and nine months. While in Gabon, he composed prayers and poems celebrating Allah. From the beginning of the 19th century, the
imperialist Imperialism is the state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas, often through employing hard power (economic and ...
policy of France ended with the defeat of all the armed resistance movements in
Senegal Senegal,; Wolof: ''Senegaal''; Pulaar: 𞤅𞤫𞤲𞤫𞤺𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭 (Senegaali); Arabic: السنغال ''As-Sinighal'') officially the Republic of Senegal,; Wolof: ''Réewum Senegaal''; Pulaar : 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 ...
and the installation of a policy of
Christianization Christianization ( or Christianisation) is to make Christian; to imbue with Christian principles; to become Christian. It can apply to the conversion of an individual, a practice, a place or a whole society. It began in the Roman Empire, conti ...
and assimilation of the new colony to the cultural values of the metropolis. This led to a policy of exile or systematic elimination of the Muslim spiritual guides who openly spoke out against the colonial government. Thus, Ahmadou Bamba, whose only alleged crime was persisting in preaching his religion(
Islam Islam (; ar, ۘالِإسلَام, , ) is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic Monotheism#Islam, monotheistic religion centred primarily around the Quran, a religious text considered by Muslims to be the direct word of God in Islam, God (or ...
), was subjected to all manner of deprivation and trials for 32 years. Exiled for seven years to Gabon and five years to Mauritania and placed under house arrest in
Diourbel Diourbel ( ar, ديوربل; Serer: ''Jurbel'', Wolof: ''Njaaréem'') is a town in Senegal lying east of Thiès. It is known for its mosque and local groundnut industry and is the capital of the Diourbel Region. The population in 2013 was 1 ...
,
Senegal Senegal,; Wolof: ''Senegaal''; Pulaar: 𞤅𞤫𞤲𞤫𞤺𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭 (Senegaali); Arabic: السنغال ''As-Sinighal'') officially the Republic of Senegal,; Wolof: ''Réewum Senegaal''; Pulaar : 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 ...
for fifteen years, Bamba nevertheless did not cease to defend the message of Islam until his death in 1927.Touba (2004). La mission du Cheikh. Retrieved March 15, 2006 , from http://www.touba-internet.com/bmb_martyr.htm#allevents In the political sphere, Ahmadou Bamba led a
pacifist Pacifism is the opposition or resistance to war, militarism (including conscription and mandatory military service) or violence. Pacifists generally reject theories of Just War. The word ''pacifism'' was coined by the French peace campaign ...
struggle against French colonialism while trying to restore a purer practice of Islam insulated from French colonial influence. In a period when successful armed resistance was impossible, Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba led a spiritual struggle against colonial culture and politics. Although he did not wage outright war on them as several prominent
Tijaan The Tijāniyyah ( ar, الطريقة التجانية, Al-Ṭarīqah al-Tijāniyyah, The Tijānī Path) is a Sufi tariqa (order, path), originating in the Maghreb but now more widespread in West Africa, particularly in Senegal, The Gambia, ...
marabouts had done, he taught what he called the ''jihād al-'akbar'' or "greater struggle," which fought not through weapons but through learning and fear of
God In monotheism, monotheistic thought, God is usually viewed as the supreme being, creator deity, creator, and principal object of Faith#Religious views, faith.Richard Swinburne, Swinburne, R.G. "God" in Ted Honderich, Honderich, Ted. (ed)''The Ox ...
. As Bamba gathered followers, he taught that salvation comes through complete submission to God and hard work. The Mouride order has built, following this teaching, a large economic organisation, involved in many aspects of the Senegalese economy.
Groundnut Groundnut may refer to: * Seeds that ripen underground, of the following plants, all in the Faboideae subfamily of the legumes: ** '' Best Basketball Player'', Obinna Udunni ** '' Arachis villosulicarpa'', a perennial peanut species ** ''Vigna sub ...
cultivation, the primary
cash crop A cash crop or profit crop is an Agriculture, agricultural crop which is grown to sell for profit. It is typically purchased by parties separate from a farm. The term is used to differentiate marketed crops from staple crop (or "subsistence crop") ...
of the colonial period, was an early example of this. Young followers were recruited to settle marginal lands in eastern Senegal, found communities and create groundnut plantations. With the organisation and supplies provided by the Brotherhood, a portion of the proceeds were returned to Touba, while the workers, after a period of years, earned ownership over the plantations and towns. Fearing his influence, the French sentenced him to exile in
Gabon Gabon (; ; snq, Ngabu), officially the Gabonese Republic (french: République gabonaise), is a country on the west coast of Central Africa. Located on the equator, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north ...
(1895–1902) and later in
Mauritania Mauritania (; ar, موريتانيا, ', french: Mauritanie; Berber: ''Agawej'' or ''Cengit''; Pulaar: ''Moritani''; Wolof: ''Gànnaar''; Soninke:), officially the Islamic Republic of Mauritania ( ar, الجمهورية الإسلامية ...
(1903–1907). However, these exiles inspired stories and folk tales of Bamba's miraculous survival of torture, deprivation, and attempted executions, and thousands more flocked to his organization. By 1910, the French realized that Bamba was not interested in waging violent war against them, and was in fact quite cooperative, eventually releasing him to return to his expanded community. In 1918, they rewarded him with the French Legion of Honor for enlisting his followers in the First World War: he refused it. They allowed him to establish his community in
Touba Touba (Hassaniya Arabic: , 'Felicity'; Wolof: Tuubaa) is a city in central Senegal, part of Diourbel Region and Mbacké district. With a population of 529,176 in 2010, it is the second most populated Senegalese city after Dakar. It is the holy ...
, believing in part that his doctrine of hard work could be made to work with French economic interests. His movement continued to grow, and in 1926 he began work for the great mosque at
Touba Touba (Hassaniya Arabic: , 'Felicity'; Wolof: Tuubaa) is a city in central Senegal, part of Diourbel Region and Mbacké district. With a population of 529,176 in 2010, it is the second most populated Senegalese city after Dakar. It is the holy ...
.


Death

After his death in 1927, he was buried in Touba at a site he had chosen, adjacent to the future location of The Grand Mosque. He was succeeded by his descendants as hereditary leaders of the brotherhood with absolute authority over the followers. Currently, Serigne Mountakha Mbacké is the Khalifa-General, Ahmadou Bamba's oldest living grandson who holds the brotherhood's highest office.


Legacy

Today, Ahmadou Bamba has an estimated following of more than 3 million people and parades occur around the world in his honor, including in various cities in
the USA The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
. One such city is New York, where Muslims of West African descent have organized an "annual Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Day parade" for over twenty years. Celebrations like these create platforms to "redefine the boundaries of their African identities, cope with the stigma of blackness, and counteract an anti-Muslim backlash". Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world make a pilgrimage to Touba (known as the Magal), worshipping at the mosque and honoring the memory of Ahmadou Bamba. Ahmadou Bamba has only one surviving photograph, in which he wears a flowing white robe and his face is mostly covered by a scarf. This picture is venerated and reproduced in paintings on walls, buses, taxis, etc. all over
Senegal Senegal,; Wolof: ''Senegaal''; Pulaar: 𞤅𞤫𞤲𞤫𞤺𞤢𞥄𞤤𞤭 (Senegaali); Arabic: السنغال ''As-Sinighal'') officially the Republic of Senegal,; Wolof: ''Réewum Senegaal''; Pulaar : 𞤈𞤫𞤲𞤣𞤢𞥄𞤲𞤣𞤭 ...
. This photo was originally taken in 1913 by "French colonial authorities". As an art form and spiritual object, Bamba's photograph functions as more than a mere image, rather it is also "a living presence" through which his ''baraka'' flows. Modern Mourides contribute earnings to the brotherhood, which provides social services, loans, and business opportunities in return. Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba is also known to have invented Café Touba. Bamba traditionally mixed coffee and spices together for medicinal purposes, and served it to his followers. Senegalese musician
Youssou N'Dour Youssou N'Dour (, wo, Yuusu Nduur; also known as Youssou Madjiguène Ndour; born 1 October 1959) is a Senegalese singer, songwriter, musician, composer, occasional actor, businessman, and politician. In 2004, ''Rolling Stone'' magazine describe ...
has claimed to be a follower of Mouridism. His 2004
Grammy The Grammy Awards (stylized as GRAMMY), or simply known as the Grammys, are awards presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize "outstanding" achievements in the music industry. They are regarded by many as the most pre ...
-winning album ''
Egypt Egypt ( ar, مصر , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia via a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediter ...
'' features multiple songs that praise Bamba.


Writings

Amadou Bamba is the author of various manuscripts, most of which are currently held at the library of the
Great Mosque of Touba The Great Mosque of Touba ( ar, الجامع الكبير في توبا) is a mosque in Touba, Senegal. It was founded by Ahmad Bamba in 1887 and completed in 1963. Bamba died in 1927 and was interred inside the mosque. Since his death the mosq ...
. Below is a selection of Bamba's writings:A short list of Ahmadu Bamba's bibliography
Murid Islamic Community in America.
*''Jawharu-n-nafis'' (The Precious Jewel) *''Mawâhibul quddûs'' (the Gifts of the Holy Lord) *''Jadhbatu-ç-çighâr'' (the Attraction of the Youth) *''Mulayyinu-ç-çudûr'' (The Softening of the Hearts) *''Jaawartu Lâh'' (Allah's Neighborhood) *''Khâtimatu Munajât'' (The Ultimate Dialogue) *''Masâalik Al Jinân'' (The Itineraries to Paradise) *''Huqal Buka-u'' (Is it necessary to cry for the dead Sufi masters?) *''Munawwiru-ç-Cudûr'' (The Illumination of the Hearts) *''Maghâliqu-n-Nîrân wa Mafâtihul Jinân'' (The Locks of Hell and The Keys to Paradise) *''Tazawwudu-sh-Shubbân'' (Provisions of the Youth) Poems honoring the Prophet Muhammad: *''Muqadimmatul Amdah'' (The Beginning of the Praises) *''Mawaahibu Naafi’u'' (The Gifts granted by the Beneficent Lord) *''Jasbul Quloob Ilâ Allâmil Ghuyûb'' (The Attraction of the Hearts Towards the Lord who Knows all the Hidden)


See also

*
Mouride The Mouride brotherhood ( wo, yoonu murit, ar, الطريقة المريدية ''aṭ-Ṭarīqat al-Murīdiyyah'' or simply , ''al-Murīdiyyah'') is a large ''tariqa'' ( Sufi order) most prominent in Senegal and The Gambia with headquarters in ...
*
Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal This is a list of Sufi orders (Tariqas) in Senegal (and also the Gambia). They are active Muslim organizations that can also be found in many other parts of Africa and the Islamic world. Their members are mainly Wolofs, Fulas and Tocouleurs. ...
*
Touba, Senegal Touba ( Hassaniya Arabic: , 'Felicity'; Wolof: Tuubaa) is a city in central Senegal, part of Diourbel Region and Mbacké district. With a population of 529,176 in 2010, it is the second most populated Senegalese city after Dakar. It is the hol ...
*
Great Mosque of Touba The Great Mosque of Touba ( ar, الجامع الكبير في توبا) is a mosque in Touba, Senegal. It was founded by Ahmad Bamba in 1887 and completed in 1963. Bamba died in 1927 and was interred inside the mosque. Since his death the mosq ...
*
Qasida The qaṣīda (also spelled ''qaṣīdah''; is originally an Arabic word , plural ''qaṣā’id'', ; that was passed to some other languages such as fa, قصیده or , ''chakameh'', and tr, kaside) is an ancient Arabic word and form of writin ...


References


Further reading


Reuters report of Touba and the Mourides
* By Elizabeth Blunt BBC News, 22 September 2005. * , ''The New York Times'', Norimitsu Onishi, 2 May 2002. * , ''The New York Times'', Susan Sachs, 28 July 2003.
Sect follows different brand of Islamic law
Reuters, May 22, 2007.

from touba-internet.com. * Cheikh Anta Babou . Fighting the Greater Jihad: Amadu Bamba and the Founding of the Muridiyya of Senegal, 1853–1913. Ohio University Press (2007) * Christian Coulon. ''The grand Magal in Touba: A religious festival of the Mouride brotherhood of Senegal''. African Affairs 98:195-210 (1999). * John Glover. Sufism and Jihad in Modern Senegal: The Murid Order (Rochester Studies in African History and the Diaspora). University of Rochester Press (2007) * Mayke Kaag. Mouride Transnational Livelihoods at the Margins of a European Society: The Case of Residence Prealpino, Brescia, Italy. Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Volume 34, Issue 2 March 2008, pages 271 - 285.

* David Robinson: French 'Islamic' Policy and Practice in Late Nineteenth-Century Senegal in The Journal of African History, Vol. 29, No. 3 (1988), pp. 415–435. *Sheik Ahmadu Bamba: Selected Poems. Edited and translated by Sana Camara. Brill Press, 2017. Forthcoming April 2017. * Abdou Seye, Des hommes autour du Serviteur de l'Envoyé - Aperçu biographique de disciples de Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, Édition 1438 h / 2017


External links

*

* ttp://www.toubatoulouse.org Toubatoulouse.org to download khassaides, audio sounds and pictures
The Online Murid Library (DaarayKamil.com)


exhibition and educational program from the Fowler Museum of Cultural History of the University of California at Los Angeles.
Mouride.com

daaramouride.asso.ulaval.ca

Majalis.org

La Non Violence de Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba

International Sufi School Khidmatul Khadim



Official Home Page of the Muridiyya Khidmatul Khadim School


* ttps://web.archive.org/web/20080905094611/http://blogs.princeton.edu/graphicarts/2008/03/amadou_bamba_day_in_little_sen.html A rare book bridging NY and Touba, Senegal by Peter Bogardus.
Ways Unto Heaven by Ahmadou Bamba, translation by Abdoul Aziz Mbacke

Jihad For Peace, about Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, by Abdoul Aziz Mbacke
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bamba, Amadou 1853 births 1927 deaths People from Touba, Senegal People of French West Africa Islam in Senegal Islamic mysticism Senegalese Muslim pacifists Islam in the Gambia Senegalese Sufi religious leaders Senegalese Sufis Sufism in Africa Wolof-language writers Légion d'honneur refusals Founders of Sufi orders Founders of religions City founders