Sufism zikr in Germany fuses rhythms of Turkish character

Nahla Abdel-Monem

A new study conducted by the American research centre, PEW, has discovered that Sufism, which enjoys popularity in the Muslim community in Germany, has growing appeal for German Christians.

About five million people of Germany’s 83 million population are Muslims. Western research centres interested in the rising phenomenon of spirituality in this most populous European country, unanimously agreed that adherents of Sufism in Germany are tucking their heads under the wing of Naqshabandiyah, a Sufi sect named after its founder Mohamed Bahaa-Eddin Shah Naqshaband, who was born in Uzbekistan in 1317.

A long-standing belief that Sufism is an independent faith was dismantled by Sufi leaders, who unanimously declared that they obtained their spiritual inspiration from Islam alone.

The Turkish character of Sufism in Germany is attributed to 2.5 million Muslim Turks, who are, nonetheless, loyal to Naqshabandiyah. This Sufi sect gained bigger ground in the region at the hands of the founder’s descendants and adherents in the wake of the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in 1923.  .

Turks are also given credit in Germany for drawing the attention of Muslims to the Mawlawiyya school, which was founded by Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din al-Rumi, also known as Mawlana (1207 to 1272).

Sufi centres in different German cities attracted the local attentions when they echoed with Zikr, the rhythmic recitation of the names of Allah. In addition to Zikr, which is one of the most treasured practices of Sufi path, these centres stage cultural events and perform plays, which are reviving the glory of the Ottoman Empire.

The popularity of al-Naqshabandiyah Sufi school in Germany is also attributed to Mohamed Nazem Adel al-Haqqani (1922-2014), who, together with his son Mohamed, established several Sufi centres in the country.

Rabbaniyya Sufi Centre

Rabbaniyah Sufi Centre is one of the most popular voice of al-Naqshabandiyah in Germany. Rabbaniyah also has its platforms in several European capitals. The headquarters is managed by Sheikh Ashraf Effendi, who is the student of Turkish-born mystic named Nazzem al-Qoubrosi.  Effendi established his Sufi school after returning from Bosnia war (1922-1955).

Osmanische herberge (Ottoman zawiyah)

Unlike different centres, rituals and Sufi practices of the Osmanische Herberge are based on music and dance to be in unity with Allah.  The centre also launches parties, which are led by its founder and Imam Sheikh Hassan Dyck, who learnt Naqshabandiyah at the hands of Nazem al-Haqqani.

Ottoman Sufi Centre in Berlin

It is one of the voices of al-Naqshabandiyah in Germany. Like its counterparts, Berlin-based Ottoman Sufi Centre helps spiritual attempts by its members to be in unity with Allah by music and rhythmic recitation of the names of the Almighty.

Mawlawiyah Tikiyah

Opened in Berlin, this Sufi centre is supervised by Sheikh Abdullah Halis Effendi. Its followers strongly believe in music for producing that kind of inspirational spiritual power.

Islamic Sufi School

The spiritual foundations of this school were laid by Uwais Ibn Amir al-Qarni, who lived during the lifetime of Prophet Mohamed. The founder was allegedly killed in the Battle of Siffin, which broke out between Ali ibn Abi Taleb and Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufiyan.  Uwais joined the army of Ali ibn Abi Taleb.

Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi Shahmaghsoudi

In addition to organizing zikr, this Sufi school launches kindergartens and schools to encourage schoolchildren and kids to take part in social and cultural activities.