The Nasiriyya Brotherhood (Arabic: الطريقة الناصرية, al-Tariqa al-Nasiriyya) is one of the most influential Sufi orders in Morocco and the broader Maghreb region. Founded in the 17th century by Sidi Mohammed ibn Nasir al-Dar'i, the brotherhood is renowned for its spiritual teachings, scholarly contributions, and role in shaping Moroccan Sufism. The Nasiriyya Brotherhood is particularly associated with the Draa Valley in southern Morocco, where it established its headquarters in the village of Tamegroute.

Origins and Founding

1. Founder: Sidi Mohammed ibn Nasir al-Dar'i (1603–1674):

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood was founded by Sidi Mohammed ibn Nasir, a Sufi scholar and mystic born in the Draa Valley. He was a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through the Idrisid lineage, which lent him spiritual authority.

   • Ibn Nasir was a disciple of the Shadhiliyya Sufi order, one of the most prominent Sufi traditions in North Africa, and he established the Nasiriyya as a branch of this order.

2. Establishment in Tamegroute:

   • Ibn Nasir chose Tamegroute, a small village in the Draa Valley, as the center of his brotherhood. The village became a hub of spiritual and intellectual activity, attracting students and followers from across the region.

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood built a zaouia (Sufi lodge) in Tamegroute, which served as a center for teaching, worship, and community service.

Teachings and Practices

1. Sufi Spirituality:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood follows the principles of Sufism, emphasizing the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. Its teachings focus on tawhid (the oneness of God), dhikr (remembrance of God), and the pursuit of spiritual purification.

   • The brotherhood promotes a moderate and inclusive form of Sufism, emphasizing love, tolerance, and devotion.

2. Scholarly Contributions:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood is known for its emphasis on scholarship and education. Its zaouia in Tamegroute became a renowned center of learning, with a vast library containing thousands of manuscripts on theology, law, science, and literature.

   • The brotherhood produced many prominent scholars, including Ahmad al-Tijani, the founder of the Tijaniyya Sufi order, who was influenced by Nasiriyya teachings.

3. Social and Charitable Activities:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood played a significant role in the social and economic life of the Draa Valley. It provided education, healthcare, and support to the local community, earning widespread respect and loyalty.

   • The brotherhood also mediated conflicts and promoted peace among tribes in the region.

4. Rituals and Practices:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood practices communal dhikr sessions, where followers gather to recite prayers and chant the names of God.

   • It also celebrates the Mawlid al-Nabi (the Prophet Muhammad's birthday) and other Islamic festivals with great devotion.

Organizational Structure

1. Leadership:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood is led by a sheikh (spiritual leader), who is a descendant of the founder, Sidi Mohammed ibn Nasir. The sheikh provides spiritual guidance and oversees the activities of the brotherhood.

   • The leadership is hereditary, passing from father to son within the Nasir family.

2. Zaouias:

   • The brotherhood has established zaouias (Sufi lodges) across Morocco and beyond, serving as centers for worship, education, and community service.

   • The zaouia in Tamegroute remains the most important and is considered the spiritual heart of the brotherhood.

3. Followers:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood has a large and diverse following, including scholars, farmers, merchants, and artisans. Its inclusive approach has attracted people from different social and ethnic backgrounds.

Cultural and Historical Impact

1. Preservation of Knowledge:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood's library in Tamegroute is one of the oldest and most important in Morocco, containing rare manuscripts on a wide range of subjects. The brotherhood played a key role in preserving and transmitting Islamic knowledge.

2. Influence on Moroccan Sufism:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood has had a profound influence on Moroccan Sufism, shaping the spiritual and intellectual landscape of the country.

   • Its teachings have inspired other Sufi orders, including the Tijaniyya and the Darqawiyya.

3. Resistance to Colonialism:

   • During the French and Spanish colonial periods, the Nasiriyya Brotherhood played a role in resisting foreign domination. Its leaders and followers were involved in efforts to preserve Moroccan culture and independence.

4. Cultural Heritage:

   • The brotherhood's emphasis on craftsmanship, particularly in pottery, has contributed to the cultural heritage of the Draa Valley. Tamegroute pottery, with its distinctive green glaze, is a lasting legacy of the Nasiriyya's influence.

Contemporary Relevance

1. Spiritual Guidance:

   • The Nasiriyya Brotherhood continues to provide spiritual guidance and support to its followers, maintaining its role as a center of Sufi practice and learning.

   • Its teachings on tolerance and peace are particularly relevant in today's world.

2. Preservation of Tradition:

   • The brotherhood remains committed to preserving its traditions, including the maintenance of its library and the promotion of Tamegroute pottery.

   • Efforts are being made to digitize the manuscripts in the Tamegroute library to ensure their preservation for future generations.

3. Tourism and Cultural Exchange:

   • The zaouia in Tamegroute attracts visitors from around the world, including scholars, tourists, and spiritual seekers. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Conclusion

The Nasiriyya Brotherhood is a cornerstone of Moroccan Sufism, embodying the spiritual, intellectual, and cultural richness of the country. Founded by Sidi Mohammed ibn Nasir in the 17th century, the brotherhood has played a vital role in shaping Moroccan society through its teachings, scholarship, and community service. Its legacy endures in the zaouia of Tamegroute, the vibrant tradition of Tamegroute pottery, and the enduring influence of its inclusive and tolerant approach to Sufism. As a living tradition, the Nasiriyya Brotherhood continues to inspire and guide its followers, preserving the spiritual heritage of Morocco for future generations.