Sufi Muslims in France Adapt Sacred Practices Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

"It’s very complicated. We stopped seeing each other or almost for a year. When we were finally able to see each other, it was with masks, gel, distancing. We had to modify our way of doing things, especially for the dances: instead of being close to each other, hand in hand, we are spaced 3 or 4 m apart. We see each other once a week, but we are no longer as numerous: 2 or 3 against 20 or 30 before," lamented Abdelhali Derouiche, vice-president of the Cercle de réflexion derkaouia habria. Created on May 7, 2014, this brotherhood is dedicated to the worship of God through songs and dances.

Coronavirus is not the only thing preventing Muslims from practicing Sufism. There is also the death on April 2 of their spiritual guide and Sufi master, the Moroccan sheikh Sidi Mohammed Moktar Habri, reports Centre Presse. "His son, Sidi Mohammed Ali Habri, succeeds him, announces Abdelhali Derouiche. He is 27 years old. He has a first training as an imam. He has memorized the Quran. He attended the Higher School of Islamic Jurisprudence." He also informs that he manages the Zaouia, a brotherhood of worship of God, in Morocco. "He is both a spiritual guide and a speaker," he added. The arrival of the new sheikh in Thuré is scheduled for September.

Sufi Muslims hope to be able to resume their activity after the crisis. "We should have a few more people with the end of Ramadan and especially once people are vaccinated, hopes Abdelhali Derouiche. We lack young people in the association which mainly consists of 50 and 60 year olds." A return to normal will also be beneficial to them. "It will be Saturday night fever once everyone is vaccinated!" promises Abdelhali Derouiche.

Meanwhile, Sufi Muslims are expecting the work on the Sufi house to be completed.