The work and Legacy of Shaykh Murtada Mbacke · S haykh Murtada has positively impacted the life of people in his entourage, through his ability to bear life’s harshness and always

Historic context of the birth of Muridiyya

Muridiyya started in 1886-1887 a year, which officially marked the end of military

resistance against French colonization in Senegal (with the death of Lat-Dior in Dekheule).More than a religious phenomenon, it was a social rev-olution, an uprising against the French colonizer, and a cultural project that aimed at challenging the doctrine of French cultural supremacy imposed by the French colo-nial system through its assimilation policy.The first members of Muridiyya consisted of downtrod-den people of the Wolof society (besides the very first disciples who gave their lives and souls up by taking the oath of allegiance the same day Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba introduced Tarbiyya as the medium of educating his fol-lowers from now on). Murid sources argue that early Murids were stigmatized, subjected to repression, their huts often were burned down, their harvest and other goods taken away, and were arbitrary detained. Consisting of the most vulnerable peo-ple of the Wolof society, under colonial rule (peasants, ceddo, slaves, former slaves), found refuge in Muridiyya as it enabled them to keep their African roots and val-ues, intruduced them with a fresh strategy and methods of learning Islam that fit their needs, and offered them a new form of Wolof-inspired society that is economi-cally autonomous, self-sufficient and enduring. Work as a form of worship for autonomy and self-sufficiency be-came thus a critical pillar of the early Murid ideology.

The work and Legacy of Shaykh Murtada Mbacke

Goudi Soxna Diarra Bousso: July 30th 2009

Soxna Diarra is the ideal woman as depicted by Islam. She embodies to the extreme all the cultural virtues of Islam in general and, and in all its other exclusive aspects regarding the Muslim woman, in particular.Her Offspring Charisma:Serigne Mame Mor Diarra;Serigne Habiboulahi;Soxna Fatima;Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba

Her rank in the Neighborhood of Allah: To evaluate the rank gained in the vicinity of Allah(SWT), let’s relate some testi-monies of Serigne Abdul Ahad in his call of the 1979 Magal of Touba .in which he was telling the following story: When he was dumped into the a very deep pit ,during his exile in Gabon. He declined the help of the highest ranked angels all (Mala’ikatul ahla wa Mala’ikatul Muqaribina”), for the only reason Allah (SWT) did not give them the authorization to intervene on his behalf. All of a sudden he felt an irresistible force grasp him by the shoulder and pull him out of his “prison” with these few words as comment “Go follow your mission”. Right after the Shaykh saw his holy mother, who turned out to be the author of such prowess.Her legacyTime, quickly erases memories of great people from the heart of their kinsmen or even will eventually destroy the tallest monuments they left behind, but it has never impacted Soxna Diarra remarkable Work. On the contrary, her great deeds and actions are more and more magnified, revisited and highlighted everyday by people who considered them a miracu-lous as well as inexhaustible source of inspiration and knowledge. The Murid Islamic Community in America and the Dahira Mame Diarra of New York under the leadership of Soxna Adji Moumy Sene are organizing on July 30th , 2009 a religious night to the honor of the only woman in Islam to be dedicated a ziarra day (Magal of Prokhane) For more information please call:Soxna Adji Moumy Sene@ 212-860-7470 or Soxna Fatou Sam@646-245-2275

Muridiya grew in such context and flourished through-out the twentieth century. Its spiritual, cultural

and economic legacy, left behind by its founder remains strongly vivid, alive and deeply rooted in the life of its members, thanks to the exemplary and selfless leadership and service of Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba’s heirs, who have been leading the murid community since 1927, date of his departure from this world. It is a foregone conclusion that each caliph wrote a chapter in accordance with the wishes of the Shaykh, in the historical pages of the Muridiyya that are being re-read and taken as sources of inspiration by every new generation of Murids.Muridiyya does not grow in a vacuum; it is given impetu-ous by its religious, economic and social background. It has grown beyond the confines of Bawol and Jollof (for-mer kingdoms of pre-colonial Senegal) since then and has reached today many African countries, and by the early eighties European countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland; North America (U.S and Canada) in the late eighties (1988).

Growth and Expansion of Muridiyya

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This rapid expansion of the Muridiyya

abroad was made possible thanks to the implementation of a strong expatriated Mu-

rid community in the above mentioned countries but also by the extraordinary diplomatic talents of

the late Shaykh Murtada Mbacke, the youngest son of the founder of Muridiyya. A valiant missionary of Islam whose broad vision to spread a more diverse Islam (as envisioned by the Holy Quran), peaceful and tolerant- a project of society, has taken him beyond the borders of his native land to disseminate its peaceful message

The Work and Legacy of Shaykh Murtada Mbacke

He had a strong personality and the

firm determination to possess ortho-dox science in accordance to the Sunnah

of the Prophet (pbuh). He was already display-ing in his youth eminent qualities befitting only

those endowed with sainthood. He was armed with an unquenchable thirst for spirituality and Love of the

Lord. So he decided later on, after the death of his il-lustrious tutor, to retreat himself for a long time in the company of a handful disciples, quietly in the forest of Bambuck (former far East Senegal) to meditate and devote himself to harsh religious practices.He only consented to return upon his brother’s request, Shaykh Muhamadu Bashir, and to dedicate himself to what would become one of the largest projects in Mu-ridiyya. Propagating the message of Islam around

the world, educating and instructing Murid dis-ciples disseminated around the world.

The House Of Islam in New York- photo MICA

Kahzu Rajjab Celebration:Serigne Fallou’s Magal, 19 July

Celebrated every year on the 27th night of the Rajjab lu-nar month, this event celebrates the birthday of the second caliph of Muridiyya, El Hadji Muhammadu Fadel Mbacke (1945-1968).The Dahira Fattah of New York, led by Serigne Massamba Diop, alike other Murid Dahira around the world, will or-ganize a day of prayers that will begin with the reading of the Quran starting from 10:00 am at Masjid Touba. A religious event at the cor-ner of 7th Ave. and 129th street, will top of the event, with the performance of the Dahira Qassaid followed by the famous Qassaid Singer Serigne Fallou Ndiaye.Lecturers will be presenting topics on the life story of Seri-gne Fallou who when informed about his birth on the 27th of the lunar month of Rajjab, in 1886 AD, the night dur-ing which the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) accompanied by Angel Gabriel, ascended the Heavens, his father and guide Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba made the following statement that

stunned all the people who heard it: “if he had not been a member of my compound, I would have gone looking for him wherever he can be”. So much Muhammad Fadel, which means Muhammad the Best, was essential to the fulfillment of his mission. Posterity would prove that at the early youth of this man also called Serigne Fallou, Galass, Aladjiou.For more info please contact:Serigne Massamba Diop@ 646 319 6748 Serigne Gora Gueye@ 646 404 1878

Shaykh Murtada Mbacke was born in 1921, during the time of Khadim-r-Rassũl house arrest in Diourbel. His

mother Soxna Fat Tout Diop, daughter of Soxna Fatou Tacko Diop, originated from Dorega, Coki. He was only five years old when his illustrious father passed way in 1927. He grew up under the wing of his eldest brother, Shaykh Muhamadu Mustafa (1888-1945), the eldest son and first caliph of the Muridiyya, who particularly watched him, grew up and took personally care of his intellectual and religious education. Thus, he spent his youth with his brother Mustafa who, in spite of his other siblings, dis-played so much affection for the young Murtada and took him later to other masters where he completed his memo-rization of the Holy Quran. He was later sent to Maurita-nia where he begun to studying classical religious sciences like Theology (Tawhid), Law (Fiqh), Sufism (Tassawuf), grammar, rhetoric etcAfter his return he reunited with his brother who frequently traveled with him within the country in order to further his experience and improve his skills regarding the handling of the communities’ affairs.

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Shaykh Murtada has positively impacted the life of people in his entourage, through his ability to bear life’s harshness and always share with the needy,

in spite of early difficulties he faced due to the scarcity of means. Thus he strictly learned to stand and overcome fatigue, illness that never prevented him from perform-ing his duty, he would only rest in the achievement of his mission. Achievement of any project beneficial to Islam, building mosques and religious learning centers, convert non-Muslims to Islam, bring assistance to the poor and the needy. This great scholar, who was perpetuating an exceptional spiritual legacy, largely invested himself in the education field by implementing throughout the country and in Sen-egalese communities around the world, schools to teach the Quran, religious and profane sciences where several generations of educated people in the country graduated from.The Al-Ahzar institution is nowadays the largest private school network of Senegal with hundreds of students, dis-seminated in the eleven regions of the country and abroad (Africa, Europe and the United States). Up to June 2006 the institution counted three hundred schools with more than 40.000 students, hundreds of teachers fully employed and paid with the little financial contribution from stu-dents, most of whom are in the tuition- free program of the institution. The noble objectives that geared the creation of the Al-Ahzar institution are:

• Strengthen the authentic faith of Muslims, and en-sure they receive good religious and intellectual training according to Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba’s project of society. • Efficiently contribute to fight against ignorance and underdevelopment, unemployment, acculturation, de-linquency plagues.• Contribute to the national planning for training, educating and mutual assistanceThese initiatives of Shaykh Murtada turned out to be more remarkable, and essential as they reflect and materialize, in a modern and prospective approach the place of choice that was given to the acquisition of knowledge in the teach-ings of Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba who never stopped from stressing its importance in many of his writings.

One major event marking the annual visit of Serigne Mame Mor Mbacke in the States is with-

out a doubt the celebra-tion of the religious night dedicated to Serigne Abdul Ahad Mbacke, third caliph of Muridiyya. At his birth in 1914 in Diourbel (Sen-egal), Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba, before his closest disciples, who witnessed this, said: “pray for him so that Allah (SWT) grants him long life, for, my hope in he is immense”.Nicknamed the “ the Builder”, Baye Lat ,for his entou-rage, has imprinted his time, following the 21 years on the Muridiyya caliphate, by putting into place large projects among which are: The Cleaning and Modernization of the holy city of Touba, the extension project of the Grande Mosquee of Touba, and Building of the Library (Daaray Kaamil).Words in his speech were fetched in the Quran and the Sunnah, his existence was like a school that would teach every generation. Without the shadow of a doubt, Baye Lahad has left indelible marks in the city of Touba and in the hearts of the Murids as well.In remembrance of this legacy the Daahira Serigne Abdou Lahad, under the aegis of Serigne Abdoula Soum, in col-laboration with MICA, is calling all the Murid disciples to join together for this religious night dedicated to Borom Belel.For more information and details contact the followings:Serigne Abdoula Soum: 718 360 7874 Serigne Bara Sakho: 646 202 0958

Goudi Serigne Abdul Ahad Mbacke, August 3rd 2009

Goudi Mame Shaykh Ibrahima Fall

A fully accomplished life, passionate, intense for a cause he fully dedicated his entire life et that propelled him to the highest orbits of eternal glory.

Faithful, archetype disciple that’s even attested in some of Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba writings or in “Minanou Baqil Khadim” “Blessings of the Eternal” the work of Muham-madu Bashir that talks enough about him or the testimonies of Serigne Muhammadu Lamine Diop Dagana.

A life story cannot be summarize in one night, nevertheless lectures will endeavor to revisit history in order to remind us what kind of disciple Shaykh Ibrahima Fall really was, and who was this disciple, role model, and extraordinary man.None but the one he served without rest could tell or know Shay Ibrahima Fall, lamp (the Light) or Baabul Muridina ( the door of Muridiyya).The Dahira Baay Fall in New York under the leadership of Serigne Omar Ndiaye and the little children of Mame Shaykh in collaboration with MICA is inviting you to the celebration of the event. August 10th 2009 Contact person: Serigne Amar Ndiaye 718-328-8606

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Fatima CreationYour printing SOLUTION212 300 3312

Shaykh Ah-madu Bamba Day Parade

in in New York

Shaykh Murtada Mbacke first visit to the U.S in 1988, was very well acclaimed in the Murid community, that saw in his

arrival the appeasing sign to many of the ordeals they were facing in their quest for a voice and authority who could mediate for their smooth integration in the Amer-

ican society, That wish was materialized thanks to his gifted talent to captivate people’s attention and posi-

tively impact their thinking about the religion of Islam. In fact, Shaykh Murtada was introduced to the influential official representatives of the black community in Harlem, NYC, where is concentrated most

of the Murid community, then began a fraternal relationship that will lead to the proclamation of Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba Day in NY, followed by other ones in every city where there is a strong Murid community.

In so doing, Shaykh Murtada lifted high the peaceful and tolerant image of Islam within the African American Muslim communities and at the same time showed the cultural dimensions of the Muridiya, the many aspects of

which remained unknown to the average American citizen. He has then reestablished the connection and abridged that waning bond which existed between African-American communities in the U.S. and other communities from the motherland Africa. Thus, he converted many African-Amer-ican brothers and sisters from all walks of life to Islam. He reinvented a new way of return to the motherland for many African-American Muslim children, whose parents were eager to entrust their religious education to Shaykh Murtada, by sending them to Ndam (Touba) where the main Quranic schools of Shaykh Murtada are and the birth place of the Al-Ahzar Institution.Now several Murid community centers or Dahira ( Touba-Michigan, Touba North-Carolina,Touba-Chicago,Touba-Montreal,Touba-LA, Touba-Atlanta) just to name a few, have their Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba Day proclamation or are on the verge of being granted a proclamation.Shaykh Murtada, who was totally cognizant of the divine mission to take the flag of Islam as far as he could left

behind him a huge spiritual and cultural heritage that is symbolized in the United States by the celebration of Shaykh Ahmadu Bamba Day in NYC.Such event is the largest Murid event abroad, for all fifty states are

strongly represented. The event is marked by a parade on Adam Clayton Avenue, in Harlem, from 110th street to the municipal building at 125th street.

It is important to remind the essence or meaning behind such celebration: it is a way to show the spiritual dimensions of a peaceful and tolerant Islam as envisioned by the Qur’an and

the cultural dimensions of Muridiya.Serigne Mame Mor, the actual caliph of the late Shaykh Murtada has taken

the relief and together with the support of the whole murid commu-nity around the world is perpetuating the legacy left by his

honorable father, through the annual visits.

Live Broacast for all events atwww.toubamica.com / www.toubausa.com / www.alazartouba.com

www.majalis.org /www.xalima.com / www.almouridiya.com /www.toubalyon.com

Support Radio Murid International Call Serigne Abdou DIAW Borom Deur-bi @ 646 209 3942

Serigne Dame SAMB @ 646 207 6194

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DAY DATE DAILY SCHEDULESunday July 19th Kahzu Rajab CelebrationMonday July 20th Arrival at JFKMonday July 20th Welcome and ZiarTuesday July 21th Welcome DayTuesday July 21th Sheik Abdul Ahad Mbacke NightWednesday July 22nd Leaving New York to Los AngelesThursday July 23rd Celebration & Ziar (L.A,San Francisco,Oakland, Las Vegas)Saturday July 25th Leaving for Washington DC via Philadelphia and BaltimoreSunday July 26th Celebration and Ziar

Sunday July 26th Muridism ForumMonday July 27th Masjid Fund RaisingMonday July 27th Murid federation meeting with the SheikTuesday July 28th Sheik Ahmadou Bamba Day in NYCThursday July 30th Sokhna Diarriatou Lahi NightFriday July 31st Leaving New York to CanadaSaturday August 1st Celebration and ZiarMonday August 3rd Leaving Canada to New YorkMonday August 3rd Sheik Ibrahima Fall NightTuesday August 4th Leaving New York to DetroitWednesday August 5th Celebration and ZiarThursday August 6th Leaving Detroit to ChicagoFriday August 7th Celebration and ZiarSaturday August 8th Leaving Chicago to CincinnatiSunday August 9th Celebration and ZiarMonday August 10th Leaving Cincinnati to AtlantaMonday August 10thTuesday August 11th Celebration and Ziar AtlantaWednesday August 12th Leaving Atlanta to Raleigh North carolinaThursday August 13th Celebration and ZiarFriday August 14th Leaving North Carolina to New YorkSaturday August 15th Sheik’s address to the Murid Community

Education day( Students Recital Contest)

FUND RAISING for the HOUSE OF ISLAM PROJECTYour financial contribution is highly expected

You can send check to :Mica 46 Edgecombe Ave New York NY 10030,Anywhere in New York CALL Serigne Fallou DIOP Tel: 646 573 8286

Serigne Mamadou FAYE Diba Tel: 646 279 6506Money Order or deposit to the following Mica Citibank account: 47591717

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MICACultural Weeks

Shaykh Ahmadou Bambain US - Edition 2009

July 20thto

August 16th

MICA Cultural Committee Copyright 2009For more info Call 212 234 0130 or Visit www.toubausa.com

Email: [email protected]

Rely on Allah.Don’t be divided

Cheikh Abdul Ahat MBACKEIbn Khadimu-r-Rassul

Parrain of the 21st Cultural WeeksShaykh Ahmadu Bamba US Edition 2009

Serigne MuhammadouLamine Bara M’backe

Actual Caliph

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