Marabout

A marabout is a personal spiritual leader in the Islam faith as practiced in West Africa , and still to a limited extent in the Maghreb . The marabout is often a scholar of the Qur'an , and many make amulets for good luck, preside at various ceremonies, and in some cases actively guide the life of the follower. In the Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal , the marabouts are organized in elaborate hierarchies; the highest marabout of the Mourides , for example, has been elevated to the status of a ruler, almost a demigod , by the faithful. Marabouts rely on donations to live. Often there is an obligation to support the marabout that has accumulated over generations within a family. Marabouts normally dress in traditional West African robes. v t e

A Senegalese Marabout in 1890 A marabout ( marbūṭ or مُرابِط murābiṭ , "one who is attached/garrisoned") is a Muslim religious leader and teacher in West Africa , and (historically) in the Maghreb . The marabout is often a scholar of the Qur'an , or religious teacher. Others may be wandering holy men who survive on alms, Sufi Murshids (" Guides "), or leaders of religious communities. Still others keep alive syncretic pre- Islamic traditions, making amulets for good luck, presiding at various ceremonies, telling the future, and in some cases actively guiding the lives of followers. The common practice of receiving gifts or money for this service is disapproved of by orthodox Muslims. Marabouts are Islamic spiritualists who are also believed to have the capacity to foresee but not control the future. These spiritualists range from conventional Islamic clerics (Limam) who are versed in the Koran and preside over services at local mosques, to local healers and diviners who mix Islam with indigenous beliefs and practices. Some marabouts practices resemble those of getba, with Islamic verses replacing cowries. Most marabouts receive gifts or money for their services, with the most respected and renowned marabouts drawing substantial income from their practice. However, these practices are generally disapproved by Islamic orthodoxy.

A marabout ( ) is a Muslim religious leader and teacher in West Africa , and (historically) in the Maghreb . The marabout is often a scholar of the Qur'an , or religious teacher. Others may be wandering holy men who survive on alms , Sufi Murshids ("Guides"), or leaders of religious communities. Marabouts are Islamic spiritualists who are also believed to have the capacity to foresee but not control the future. These spiritualists range from conventional Islamic priests (Limam) who are versed in the Qu'ran and preside over services at local mosques, to local healers and diviners who mix Islam with indigenous beliefs and practices. Some marabouts practices resemble those of getba, with Islamic verses replacing cowries. Most marabouts receive gifts or money for their services, with the most respected and renowned marabouts drawing substantial income from their practice. However, these practices are generally disapproved by Islamic disorthodoxy.

Sufi religious leader and teacher in West Africa Not to be confused with Marabou . A marabout ( ) is a Muslim religious leader and teacher who historically had the function of a chaplain serving as a part of an Islamic army, notably in North Africa and the Sahara, in West Africa , and (historically) in the Maghreb . The marabout is often a scholar of the Qur'an , or religious teacher. Others may be wandering holy men who survive on alms , Sufi Murshids ("Guides"), or leaders of religious communities. The term "marabout" is also used for the mausolea of such religious leaders (cf. maqam , mazar , in Palestine also wali /weli ). Marabouts are Islamic spiritualists who are also believed to have the capacity to foresee but not control the future. These spiritualists range from conventional Islamic priests (Limam) who are versed in the Qu'ran and preside over services at local mosques, to local healers and diviners who mix Islam with indigenous beliefs and practices. Some marabouts practices resemble those of getba, with Islamic verses replacing cowries. Most marabouts receive gifts or money for their services, with the most respected and renowned marabouts drawing substantial income from their practice. However, these practices are generally disapproved by Islamic disorthodoxy.

Sufi religious leader and teacher in West Africa Not to be confused with Marabou . In the Muslim world , the marabout ( Arabic : مُرابِط , romanized : murābiṭ , lit. ' one who is attached/garrisoned ' ) is a descendant of Muhammad (Arabic: سـيّد, romanized : sayyid and sidi in the Maghreb ) and a Muslim religious leader and teacher who historically had the function of a chaplain serving as a part of an Islamic army , notably in North Africa and the Sahara region, in West Africa , and historically in the Maghreb . The marabout is often a scholar of the Quran , or religious teacher. Others may be wandering holy men who survive on alms or as spiritual directors of Muslim religious communities, often as muršid ("guide") of Sufi orders . The term "marabout" is also used for the mausolea of such religious leaders (cf. maqām , mazār , in Palestine also walī/velī ). Society and Natural Resources . 15 (2): 409– 427. Marabouts are Islamic spiritualists who are also believed to have the capacity to foresee but not control the future . These spiritualists range from conventional Islamic priests (imams) who are versed in the Quran and preside over services at local mosques , to local healers and diviners who mix Islam with indigenous beliefs and practices . Some marabouts practices resemble those of getba, with Islamic verses replacing cowries. Most marabouts receive gifts or money for their services, with the most respected and renowned marabouts drawing substantial income from their practice. However, these practices are generally disapproved by Islamic orthodoxy .