Tiznit: The Foundation of Cheikh Maoulainine organizes the Seventh International Forum on Sufi Thought under the Theme “Mercy from the Creator to Perfect Noble Morals.

 By Dr. Hanane El Aissi

The city of Tiznit is currently hosting, from December 4 to 6, 2025, the intellectual activities of the Seventh International Forum on Sufi Thought of Cheikh Maoulainine. The event is organized by the Foundation of Cheikh Maoulainine for Sciences and Heritage under the theme: “A Mercy from the Creator to Perfect Noble Morals.” This theme is inspired by Allah’s words, “And We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds,” as well as by the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him: “I was sent only to perfect Noble Morals.”

This International Forum is taking place in the context of the Kingdom of Morocco’s celebration of the 1500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), and in implementation of the requirements of the lofty royal message addressed to the Supreme Scientific Council, calling for strengthening research into the Prophet’s biography and consolidating the moral values ​​brought by Islam. This event serves as an annual gathering that brings together scholars of Sufism, Cheikhs of various zawaya, university researchers, students of traditional Schools, and disciples of Sufi orders from Morocco. It also welcomes distinguished spiritual and academic figures from Mauritania, the Sahel, Libya, Senegal, Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa, the United States of America, and Saudi Arabia.

This International Forum seeks to reinvigorate scientific and cultural activity in the Souss region while emphasizing Morocco’s deep-rooted spiritual connections with Sahel countries through its African heritage. Its objectives include bolstering Sufism’s contribution to protecting nations’ spiritual well-being, fostering development and social cohesion, and honoring Cheikh Maoulainine’s scholarly and spiritual legacy, particularly his contributions to education, Jihad, and Sufi philosophy.

The organization of this International Forum helps renew the spiritual and scholarly bonds among the disciples of the zawiya, and deepens research on the iconic figure of Cheikh Maoulainine, one of the foremost symbols of Moroccan Sufism, and a pioneer in defending the unity of Morocco and West Africa.

There is no doubt that the Foundation of Cheikh Maoulainine for Science and Heritage holds paramount importance, playing a vital role in introducing and disseminating the thought of Cheikh Maoulainine. Through its continued efforts, it faithfully upholds the spirit of the Royal Messages of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Amir al-Mu’minin, particularly those calling for the preservation of spiritual heritage, the promotion of scholarly research, and the strengthening of Morocco’s historical and cultural ties.