Fez Echoes with the Sounds of Tariqa Raissouniya at the Moroccan Sufi Culture Festival

Fez, Morocco-The enchanting sounds of Tariqa Raissouniya resonate through the historic streets of Fez, as Morocco hosts its distinguished festival dedicated to celebrating Sufi culture.

This year, the festival boasts a lineup of 14 diverse participants from across the globe, highlighting both group and solo performances that showcase the profound spiritual practices of Sufism.

Originating from Chefchaouen, a picturesque city nestled in Morocco's Rif mountains, Tariqa Raissouniya enriches the festival with a profound spiritual performance.

"Our participation involves poems, remembrances, supplications, and Sufi recitals of Sufi imams for our country," shares Jamal Eddine Raissouni, a prominent member of the group.

Their performance encapsulates the essence of Sufism, which integrates traditional Islamic observance with unique forms of worship, including ritual chanting.

The festival's international flair is further enhanced by artists from Mauritania, Senegal, Pakistan, and Tanzania.

In an intriguing twist, French cellist Aurélien Pascal captivates the audience with compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach, an 18th-century German composer. Pascal finds a unique connection between Bach's work and Sufi spirituality, stating, "In the context of a Sufi music festival, it is interesting to connect this spirituality to a spirituality experienced elsewhere."

He believes Bach's music, initially created for religious purposes, harmoniously aligns with the Sufi tradition, making its inclusion in the festival both original and profound.

Adding to the festival's immersive experience, attendees engage in interactive workshops, such as the Sanskrit chanting session led by French yogi André Riehl.

Riehl extols the virtues of chanting, explaining, "Sanskrit chanting practiced in this way induces a meditative and silent state in thought." These workshops provide participants with a chance to dive deeper into spiritual practices that foster tranquility and self-awareness.

The Sufi Culture Festival, now in its sixteenth iteration, operates under the poignant slogan “Know Yourself By Yourself.” It aims to preserve and spotlight the cultural, religious, and historical significance of Sufism.

According to Abdelaziz Debbagh, president of the Abdul Wahid Ibn Ashir Foundation for Islamic and Sufi Studies and Social Works, the festival is a crucial counterbalance in today's material-centric world.

"This festival provides natural breathing for the soul, helping individuals find balance amidst the challenges of globalization and the rise of artificial intelligence," Debbagh explains.

As the festival continues to unfold, it not only celebrates but also educates, offering profound insights into the resilient spirit of Sufism.

Attendees like Naziq Gibril find the experience deeply moving, with Gibril noting, "At this festival, I feel an indescribable joy that cannot be expressed in words."

The Sufi Culture Festival, which opened on April 20, will run until April 27, promising more days of spiritual enrichment and cultural exchange in the vibrant city of Fez.