A Neglected History: How Intra-Sufi Conflicts Shaped the Tijaniyya Sufi Brotherhood in Contemporary Ghana (1970-2001)

Abstract

The growth of the Tijaniyya Sufi order in Ghana has resulted from the immeasurable acts of revivalism of many local scholars. Among the most influential of these scholars was Sheikh Abdullahi Ahmed Maikano, whose contributions to the development of Islam in Ghana are also very significant. However, while Sheikh Maikano’s ability to confront the Salafi critiques of Tijaniyya shot him to fame and brought much strength and unity among members of the brotherhood in Ghana, the same cannot be said of Tijaniyya today, which is beset with challenges of factionalism, aggravated by zealous youth who have taken to the social media, to malign each other and vilify past and present otherwise revered leaders. Drawing mainly on in-depth interviews, secondary sources, and historical records, the researchers found that the challenges confronting the Tijaniyya fraternity in Ghana in recent times revolve around Sheikh Maikano and the extent to which loyalty is accorded or denied him. The researchers call for the Tijaniyya to rise above petty rivalries and unite once again to confront other festering challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, and misconceptions about what it means to be a true Sufi, especially in 21st century Africa.

Keywords

• Religious Authority
• Charisma
• Sufism in Ghana
• Tijaniyya

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