Ibn idris and al-sanusi: the teacher and his student

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Periodical article

Title:	Ibn idris and al-sanusi: the teacher and his student
Authors:	Vikoer, K.S. O'Fahey, R.S.
Year:	1987
Periodical:	Islam et sociétés au Sud du Sahara
Issue:	1
Pages:	70-82
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Libya
Subjects:	Muslim brotherhoods biographies (form)
Abstract:	Preliminary account of the nature of the relationship between Muhammad b. 'Alî al-Sanûsî (1787-1859), the founder of the Sanûsiyya tarîqa, and the Moroccan mystic, Ahmad b. Idrîs (1749-1837). Previous discussions of the relationship between the two men have been confused by two issues: whether Ibn Idrîs ever formally established a tarîqa (order) and whether there was in fact a controversy among his students as to who was his true spiritual heir. On present evidence, the answer to both questions appears to be negative. The importance of Ibn Idrîs for al-Sanûsî's intellectual and spiritual development was great. In the fields of fiqh, mysticism, and prayer, al-Sanûsî gave priority to chains of transmission via Ibn Idrîs where he had several for the same work or Sufi way. The relationship between Ibn Idrîs and al-Sanûsî survived the death of the two men, and al-Sanûsî's indebtedness was remembered within the Sanûsî tradition. Notes, ref.