Cyril Ogar

The General Caliph of the Tijaniyya Order, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani, has commenced a visit to Nigeria, leading a high-level delegation from the General Caliphate in Aïn Madhi, Algeria.

Sheikh Tidjani arrived in Nigeria on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the invitation of prominent Sheikhs of the Tijaniyya Order in the country.The visit is aimed at strengthening spiritual ties between the Mother Zawiya in Aïn Madhi and Tijaniyya Zawiyas in Nigeria and across the West African region.

As part of his engagements, the General Caliph and his delegation, representing the Tijaniyya Supreme Council worldwide, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday, August 7.

During the meeting, Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani highlighted the longstanding relations of friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Nigeria, stressing the enormous potential for further strengthening ties between the two countries.

He also prayed for the continued growth of the spiritual relationship between Algeria and Nigeria, as well as peace, love and stability in Nigeria.

The General Caliph further offered prayers for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of President Tinubu.

The visit includes an extensive itinerary covering several cities across Nigeria, including Abuja, Kano and Bauchi, where Sheikh Tidjani is expected to inspect Tijaniyya Zawiyas dedicated to the teaching of Islamic sciences, jurisprudence and the foundational principles of the order.

He is also scheduled to participate in celebrations commemorating the birth of Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tidjani, the founder of the Tijaniyya Order, which will be hosted in Kano this year.

During his stay, Sheikh Tidjani is expected to engage in various religious, cultural and spiritual activities, alongside meetings with government officials, Islamic scholars, community leaders and other prominent figures.

The Tijaniyya Order is one of the world’s most influential Sufi brotherhoods, with a significant following across West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Niger, Senegal and Mali, as well as in North Africa and the Middle East.

The order was founded in the late 18th century by Sheikh Sidi Ahmed Tidjani (1737–1815). Its historical and spiritual roots are associated with Algeria, particularly Aïn Madhi in Laghouat Province, which houses the Mother Zawiya and the institutional headquarters of the General Caliphate.

Aïn Madhi remains an important pilgrimage destination for Tijaniyya followers from around the world who visit to reconnect with the spiritual roots of the order.

The office of the General Caliph serves as the highest spiritual and temporal authority of the Tijaniyya brotherhood, with responsibility for promoting unity among the various branches of the Tariqa worldwide.

Sheikh Sidi Ali Belarabi Tidjani currently holds the position.

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