Visiting Sufi shrines in the medinas of Morocco (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
First there is ignorance, thereafter knowledge, then follows practice upon your knowledge, thereafter sincerity upon that action and finally comes understanding and wisdom in the heart.
— Abdul Qadir al-Jilani
When I was traveling in Morocco last week with family for Eid, I visited a number of Sufi tombs, shrines, and lodges in Morocco’s legendary imperial cities. Some weren’t hard to find, since I could literally just follow the signs–similar to how I followed Rumi signs through northern Afghanistan. In fact, one of the riads in which we stayed just happened to be sandwiched between two Sufi shrines.
Be obedient with a direction; don’t become obedient to the masses. — al-Jilani
These photos were taken on my visit to a Qadiri Sufi lodge tucked away in the alleys of a medieval Moroccan medina. The Qadiri Sufi Order founded by Abdul Qadir al Jilani is one of the most widespread Sufi orders in the world. I was grateful for the opportunity to witness how the order is still thriving throughout Morocco, while wandering with my family through Sufi “spaces” in Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca for the holiday break…
A seeker is not truthful until he places the needs of sustenance
of his companions over and above the sustenance of his own soul and desires.
— al Jilani
Finding the Qadiris in Morocco (Photo: Emily O'Dell)
