Sheikh Mouadh El Qadiri Strengthens the Spiritual, Scholarly, Academic and International Influence of the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order

The Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order, headquartered in Madagh in the Kingdom of Morocco, is currently experiencing sustained momentum, reflected in the expansion of its activities and the diversification of its work both within Morocco and internationally. Through programmes combining spiritual education, cultural initiatives, engagement with academic institutions and the establishment of new zawiyas, the Order continues to strengthen its presence while welcoming religious and academic delegations from around the world.

This development forms part of the Order’s continuing efforts, under the guidance of its Sheikh, El Hajj Moulay Mouadh El Qadiri Boutchich, to promote the values of moderation and tolerance and to reinforce the educational role of zawiyas in accordance with Morocco’s religious framework, founded on the Maliki school of jurisprudence, Ashʿari theology and Sunni Sufism.

As part of its engagement with the academic community, the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Zawiya welcomed a delegation from Moulay Ismail University on 13 and 14 June 2026. The delegation included dozens of professors, researchers and students who visited the institution to learn about the Order’s educational and spiritual experience and explore its intellectual and social dimensions, as well as its contribution to religious guidance and the promotion of ethical values.

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss prospects for cooperation between the university and the Order in scientific research and studies relating to Sufism and Morocco’s spiritual heritage. Participants emphasised the importance of documenting Morocco’s spiritual traditions and highlighting their contribution to strengthening the country’s religious and cultural identity. During the visit, El Hajj Moulay Mouadh El Qadiri Boutchich was honoured in recognition of his efforts in the service of Sunni Sufism and in promoting a culture of moderation and openness.

Across Africa, the Sheikh of the Order received a delegation from the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 14 June 2026, comprising prominent representatives of the Qadiriyya tradition. The meeting reflected the deep historical and spiritual ties linking Morocco with numerous African countries. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in spiritual education, sharing experience and enhancing communication between zawiyas and religious institutions in order to promote moderation, peaceful coexistence and Morocco’s spiritual presence across the African continent.

Observers note that such meetings form part of a longstanding tradition of spiritual relations between Morocco and its African partners. These relations have helped establish the Kingdom as a major centre for religious education and for spiritual and cultural exchange with many African nations.

At the national level, the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order has continued to expand its network of zawiyas across Morocco as part of a strategy aimed at bringing spiritual and educational services closer to local communities. Following the inauguration earlier this year of new zawiyas in major cities, including Fez, Meknes, Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan and Mohammedia, El Hajj Moulay Mouadh El Qadiri Boutchich inaugurated additional zawiyas in Nador, Al Aroui and Touima at the beginning of July 2026.

These institutions provide spaces for spiritual, educational and cultural activities, including gatherings for the remembrance of God (dhikr), religious guidance and ethical formation. In doing so, they reinforce the traditional role of zawiyas as centres of spiritual guidance, sound moral values and positive social coexistence.

In the cultural sphere, the city of Tangier hosted the third edition of the “Riyad Al-Nour” cultural event at the Palace of Arts and Culture on 17 July 2026. The event attracted a large audience interested in cultural and spiritual life. Its programme featured an evening of Sufi samaʿ and devotional praise of the Prophet, performed by the Official Ensemble of the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order. The ensemble presented a selection of poems and devotional chants drawn from Morocco’s rich Sufi heritage.

The performance showcased the distinctive artistic tradition of Boutchichiyya samaʿ, characterised by harmonious collective chanting and carefully selected poetry conveying profound spiritual and educational meanings. The event illustrated an artistic approach that combines aesthetic excellence with ethical and spiritual values.

The gathering also honoured the distinguished scholar Mohammed El Hebti in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Islamic education and his role in mentoring generations of students. This gesture was widely regarded as reflecting the Order’s commitment to honouring scholars and recognising their essential place within society.

Speaking on the sidelines of these events, Khamis Suleiman Al-Sharif Al-Hassani, Executive Director of the Libyan Association of Qur’an Memorisers and General Coordinator of the General Syndicate of Ashraf in Libya, praised Morocco’s model of religious governance. He stated that the Kingdom had successfully developed a balanced approach that preserves religious identity while remaining responsive to the needs of the modern world, thanks to the support provided to religious institutions, scholarly bodies and zawiyas.

The Libyan official further noted that the scholarly and spiritual initiatives organised by the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order strengthen communication among scholars and students of sacred knowledge, encourage cooperation between religious institutions throughout the Islamic world and contribute to promoting peace, tolerance and mutual love.

The Order’s influence extends well beyond Morocco and reaches numerous international settings. During 2026, it has welcomed delegations from Arab, African and European countries, including Egypt, Iraq, the Sultanate of Oman, Libya, Nigeria, The Gambia, Mauritania, Senegal and Burkina Faso, as well as several European nations. These meetings have focused on spiritual education, intercultural dialogue and academic and religious cooperation.

At the same time, new branches of the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order have been inaugurated in several African countries, attracting growing numbers of disciples and people interested in Sufism and spiritual education. Young people, women and children have participated in significant numbers. This development reflects the increasing appeal of the Order’s educational mission and its expanding presence across the continent.

In Europe, the Order has continued to strengthen its presence through a network of zawiyas and branches, particularly in France and Belgium. These institutions play an important role in preserving the spiritual and religious identity of Moroccan, Arab and wider Muslim communities, while introducing broader audiences to Morocco’s spiritual model, founded on moderation, openness and dialogue.

Observers of contemporary Sufism attribute the Order’s continued expansion to its educational methodology, which emphasises the remembrance of God (dhikr), recitation of the Holy Qur’an, adherence to ethical values, spiritual formation, human development and the cultivation of love, humility and service to society.

Through its growing national and international presence, the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Order continues to strengthen its role in spiritual education, religious guidance and cultural dialogue. In doing so, it further consolidates Morocco’s position as a centre of moderate Islam and a platform for intercultural understanding and spiritual cooperation among peoples and civilisations.