Sufism in Algeria

[7] Sufism is tightly bounded to the History of Algeria as it is said that the Ottoman governors of Algiers were traditionally crowned in the presence of a great Sufi Sheikh.

[11] The regular Sufi practice in many of the Zawiyas in Algeria sees the presence of participants to the Hizb Rateb and the Salka without performing any other Sama or Whirling.

[15] Sunni Sufism had left a prevailing impact on Algerian religious, cultural, and social life in this central region of Maghreb and North Africa.

The mystical form of Islam was introduced by Sufi saints and scholars traveling from all over continental Africa who were instrumental and influential in the social, economic, and philosophic development of Algeria.

Their traditions of devotional practices and modest living attracted all people and their teachings of humanity, love for God and Prophet continue to be surrounded by mystical tales and folk songs today.

Sufis were firm in abstaining from religious and communal conflict and strived to be peaceful elements of civil society, and this attitude of accommodation, adaptation, piety, and charisma that continues to help Sufism remain as a pillar of mystical Islam in Algeria.