Rifaʽi facts for kids
The Rifa'i (pronounced Ree-fah-ee) is a special group, or tariqa, within Sunni Islam. It's a type of Sufi order, which means its members focus on a deeper, spiritual path in their faith. This order was started by a person named Ahmed ar-Rifa'i. It began in the marshlands of southern Iraq, near the cities of Wasit and Basra.
The Rifa'i order was very popular until the 1400s. After that, another group called the Qadiriyya order became more well-known. Today, the Rifa'i order is still important, especially in Cairo, Egypt. You can find Rifa'i followers mostly in the Middle East, but also in Turkey, the Balkans, and South Asia.
History of the Rifa'i Order
The Rifa'i order began with its founder, Ahmad al-Rifa'i. In the years 1145-1146 CE, he took over leadership of a religious group. This group was led by his uncle, Mansur al-Bata'ihi. Many people followed Ahmad al-Rifa'i in the area around Umm 'Ubayda village.
The Rifa'i order grew in the marshlands of Iraq. It became well-known during the 1100s. The group then spread to places like Egypt and Syria.
In 1268 CE, a person named Abu Muhammad 'Ali al-Hariri started the Syrian part of the order. This part became known as the Haririya. The Rifa'i order became even more popular in Egypt and Turkey.
However, in the 1400s, its popularity started to fade. The Qadiriyya order became more famous instead. After this, the Rifa'i order was mostly found in Arab countries.
Today, the order is still active in Syria and Egypt. It also plays a role in Bosnia. The Rifa'i Tariqa often mixes its worship styles with other local groups. For example, a group started by Kenan Rifa'i in Istanbul includes ideas from the Mevlevi Order.
The Rifa'i order also spread into Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) in the 1300s and 1400s. A famous traveler, ibn Battuta, wrote about Rifa'i 'tekkes' (lodges or meeting places) in central Anatolia. The order became more active in Turkey from the 1600s to the 1800s. During this time, many tekkes were built in Istanbul. The order also spread into the Balkans, especially Bosnia, where it is still present.
In the United States and Canada, there are Rifa'i tekkes in Staten Island and Toronto. These groups were guided by Shaykh Xhemali Shehu (who passed away in 2004) from Prizren, Kosovo. These groups originally came from Turkey.
Rifa'i Practices
Followers of the Rifa'i order were known for some unusual practices. During intense spiritual gatherings called Rifa'i Ratib, some followers were said to have eaten live snakes. Others reportedly entered ovens filled with fire or rode on lions. They were also known for charming snakes. Some followers would even push iron spikes and glass into their bodies.
It's not clear if Ahmed ar-Rifa'i himself started these practices. These actions helped make the Rifa'i order very popular. Some experts believe al-Rifa'i did introduce them. However, other experts think he didn't know about them. They believe these practices were added after the Mongol invasion.
Well-Known Rifa'is
- Samiha Ayverdi
- Agah Oktay Güner
- Cemalnur Sargut
- Kenan Rifa'i
See also
In Spanish: Rifaiyya para niños
