Abu al-Hasan ash-Shadhili

Born in northern Morocco, Abu al-Hasan ash-Shadhili is the founder of the Shadhiliyya, one of the oldest and most influential Sufi orders. His doctrine, which favours gratitude and active life over asceticism and retreat, has left its mark on the whole Muslim world.

Origin and youth

ʿAli ibn ʿAbd Allah ash-Shadhili was born in 1196 in northern Morocco, among the Ghumara, near Ceuta or Tangier depending on the sources. His genealogy goes back to al-Hassan through his father and to al-Husayn through his mother. He studied in Fez before travelling to the East.

The search for a master

In Iraq he met the master al-Wasiti, who told him to seek in the Maghreb. On his return he found ʿAbd as-Salam ibn Mashish, a student of Abu Madyan, who welcomed him and trained him before sending him to Tunisia.

Shadhila and Tunis

He settled at Shadhila, near Tunis, from which he took his name. He founded a first zawiya in Tunis around 1228. He met opposition from theologians despite the protection of the Hafsid sultan.

Alexandria

Around 1244 he settled in Alexandria, where he attracted many disciples, among them officials and scholars.

Doctrine

His way puts forward gratitude (shukr) rather than strict asceticism, and life in the world rather than retreat. The litany Hizb al-Bahr (“litany of the sea”), still recited in many circles, is attributed to him.

Death

He died in 1258 at Humaythara, in the eastern desert of Egypt, while on his way to the pilgrimage. His mausoleum is a place of visit. His disciples, among them al-Mursi, spread his way throughout the Maghreb and beyond.