Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse

Sheikh Ahmad Tijani bin Ali Cisse (Born: 1 January 1955) is the spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi order. The Tijaniyya is the largest Sufi order in Western Africa, and its leader commands a following of millions, who see him as their guide to true Islam.

Leader of Tijani Muslims

Cisse became leader of the Tijaniyyah following the death of his elder brother Shaykh Hassan Cisse in 2008.  He is the Imam of the Grand Mosque in Medina Baye, Senegal, which is one of Western Africa’s key positions of Islamic leadership. Tijani Muslims are located throughout Western Africa and further afield. As an order, Tijanis give allegiance to their sheikh giving him significant influence as a leader.

Education and Activities

Shaykh Tijani Cisse (b. 1955) studied Qur’an, Arabic and classical texts with both his father, Shaykh ‘Ali Cisse,  and his legendary grandfather, Shaykh Ibrahim Niass. He then continued his studies at Al- Azhar University in Egypt, studying Arabic and Usul al-Din (theology). Upon completing his studies in Egypt, he traveled extensively throughout Africa, the Middle East and America. He has attended many conferences and participated in religious debates. He has also managed to edit and publish several important works, including Shaykh Ibrahim’s Kashif al-Ilbas.

Posts

In 2001, Shaykh Tijani Cisse was appointed Senegal’s General Commissioner for the Hajj. In 2006, he was again recognized by Senegalese President Aboulaye Wade and appointed a Senegalese “Special Missions Ambassador”, a position he holds until the present time. He has also received Senegal’s distinguished award, the Ordre de Merite (1993).

Descendent of theTijaniyya Founder

The Tijaniyya is a Sufi order founded by Ahmad al Tijani Hasani, an Algerian, in the late 18th century. As the spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya, Cisse is considered to be the bearer of a spiritual inspiration called the Fayda Tijaniyya, giving him authority to carry on the teachings of Ahmad al Tijani Hasani. Because of this position, some Tijani Muslims refer to Cisse as the reviver of the Sunnah.

Citizen of: Senegal