Sufism and spiritual resistance in East Africa: synthesis of Somali tradition, Islamic reform, and legacy of Shaykh Abdullahi al-Qutbi, 1881–1950

The transmission of Sufi spiritual practices, notably the Qādiriyya, Rifāʿiyya, and Shādhiliyya orders, profoundly influenced the cultural, religious, and spiritual dynamics of East African societies. However, scholarship examining Sufism’s doctrinal and societal impacts within the region remains limited. This study examines Somali tradition, Islamic reform, and legacy of Shaykh Abdullahi al-Qutbi, a pivotal figure in East African Sufism, whose contributions shaped the region’s spirituality. Employing qualitative methods, including interviews and analysis of primary texts, the paper explores how Shaykh Abdullahi revitalized the Qādiriyya order through mentorship and ethical guidance that centered East African Sufism. His teachings integrated Sufi spirituality with practical responses to global Islamic discourses and reform, fostering a cohesive spiritual identity rooted in the Ash’ari creed. By situating Shaykh Abdullahi as a bridge between local Somali traditions and global Islamic thought, this study underscores his lasting impact on Sufi practices and his relevance as a model for addressing contemporary challenges in the Muslim world. The findings underscore his relevance to contemporary efforts addressing spirituality in East Africa.