Sufi Mystics of the Niger Desert

For anyone curious to learn some of the verifiable details of an important Sufi order or school established in 16th century Air, H.T. Norris's Sufi Mystics of the Niger Desert is a must-read. Beginning with an introduction to the topic and several lengthy translations of sections of the Qudwa, a document detailing the life of Sidi Mahmud al-Baghadi and the practices of his specific Way, Norris outlines the origins of the movement, its practices, and its influence and legacy in Air and beyond. Although Sufism in Air predated the arrival of the sharif al-Baghdadi in the 16th century, he became a favored saint in the massif. His martyrdom, in circumstances given varying details by the written and oral sources of the region, parallels that of the the first Kulumbardo Sufi community or zawiya of Borno. 

Like that of Borno, Sidi Mahmud al-Baghdadi may have been killed on the orders of the Agades sultan because court-affiliated jurists and religious figures convinced the king that he posed a threat to his power. This scenario was similar to what transpired under Mai Umar b. Idris of Borno with the two leaders of the first Kulumbaro in early 17th century Borno, al-Jarmiyu and Waldede. However, the sources are confused and give conflicting versions of who exactly ordered the killing of al-Baghdadi or the reasons for it. Nonetheless, al-Baghdadi and his followers established an influential community whose rites and practices included initiation, fasting, good works, respect for books and mysticism, and an eye for reaching the masses. If all the above were steadfastly pursued, one can see why the sultan in Agades might see this community as a threat to his authority.

 Norris offers a number of other theories as to why the movement might have been construed as a threat to royal power. Some possibilities were conflict over land, or the claims to political legitimacy based on Islam. Ultimately, it is uncertain we shall ever know the exact circumstances of his killing. But the impact on the Tuareg of the region and, later on, Shehu Uthman dan Fodio and the Sokoto caliphate, testifies to its significant legacy on later West African Sufism. The history of Sufism in the Central Sudan awaits further examination, particularly the relationship between state and religion in Borno and Air.