2 years after attack, Sufism still strong in Sinai

Islam Mohamed

Two years have passed since Islamic State militants attacked a mosque in al-Rawdah Village in North Sinai and killed hundreds of men and children inside, a crime that shocked the whole world.

The attack took place as worshippers performed the weekly Friday prayer.

Al-Rawdah Village is a stronghold of the Gariri Sufi order which was founded by Sheikh Eid Abu Garir.

Sheikh Garir was a popular figure in Sinai. Sinai Bedouins know him well. He is the godfather of Sufism in Sinai. He is also one of its founders in the Gaza Strip.

Al-Rawdah Mosque where the terrorist attack took place is very famous in North Sinai. The followers of Sheikh Garir used to hold their religious meetings at the mosque.

ISIS had threatened to blow up the mosque before. It carried out its threat when it carried out the attack and killed more than 300 worshippers.

Sheikh Garir and his disciples played a big role in the resistance against the Israeli occupation of Sinai. Many of these disciples were killed fighting the Israelis.

The sheikh was a member of the Garirat Tribe, which is part of Sawarka Tribe. It is known for the piety of its members.

Sheikh Garir learned Sufism at the hands of Sheikh Abu Ahmed al-Faluji from Palestine in 1957. Sheikh Garir always encouraged his followers to pray and stick to Islamic rules and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad.

He used to encourage his followers to cooperate with the Egyptian army, especially during the 1967 war. Around 100 of his followers received medals of honor from the army, in recognition of their contributions in the October war of 1973.

This is why Sheikh Garir and his disciples are popular among the residents of Sinai. This is why they are also the target of terrorists active in this Egyptian territory.

Festive mood

A quarter of the residents of al-Rawdah Village was killed in the mosque attack. Dozens of homes are now without male sponsors.

However, life is returning to normal in the village. The Ministry of Religious Endowments has already reconstructed the mosque. State authorities offered each of the families of the attack victims 200,000 Egyptian pounds.

The residents of the village are gradually getting over their pains. The followers of the Gariri Sufi order are also returning to the scene by holding traditional celebrations in the village.

This time, there is more sympathy with them from the residents of the village.

According to Sheikh Abdullah Gahama, one of the chieftains of Tarabin Tribe, Sufis can be found everywhere in Sinai.

“They are distinct in that they are not hardliners,” Sheikh Gahama said. “They have many strongholds around the nation.”