Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Cogent Social Sciences

Publication Date

8-1-2026

Abstract

This study examines ‘Sufi exceptionalism’ in Senegal, highlighting the role of Sufi Brotherhoods—particularly the Tijaniyya and Muridiyya—in fostering democratic resilience and preventing radicalism. Contrary to the assumption that religion inhibits democracy, findings show Sufi leaders have acted as stabilizing forces during political crises, advocating peace and democratic values. The research explores the relationship between Sufism and governance, the contributions of Sufi orders to societal stability, and their alliances with state authorities. Through qualitative analysis of secondary sources and comparative case studies of the Tijaniyya and Muridiyya orders, the study traces interactions between religious institutions and the Senegalese state over time. Key findings reveal that Sufi orders promote tolerance and justice, mitigate religious extremism through decentralized practices, and foster interfaith collaboration. Despite economic pressures and the rise of political Islam, these orders remain pivotal to Senegal’s stability, illustrating the integration of religious values with democratic principles as a distinctive African governance model. Rather than presenting Senegal as a transferable model, the study treats its experience as an empirically grounded case informing debates on governance and extremism in the Sahel. It concludes that embedded religious authority and state–society negotiation have fostered social cohesion and civic responsibility, noting the need for comparative research.

ISSN

2331-1886

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Volume

12

Issue

1

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Keywords

Muridiyya, Political Islam, Sahel Security, Senegal, Sufi exceptionalism, Sufism, Tijaniyya

Scopus ID

105046560921

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

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