The Naqshbandi Tarika
The Naqshbandi Order in Syria: Overview
Naqshbandi order is one of the best-known Sufi orders across the Islamic world, and has spread far and wide in Syria, more notably in places like Damascus and Aleppo. This order relies on quiet remembrance (soundless) and mystical affection towards the sheikh, but also has musical and chanting practices within some of its branches.
Historical Origin: Shah Bahauddin Naqshband founded the Naqshbandi order in the 14th century in Bukhara (present-day Uzbekistan). The order then spread to Syria through Sufi sheikhs who brought its teachings to the country. Mohammad Nour Alnemer(2020, December 13) The Contemporary Sufi Movement in Aleppo: Its Forms and Effects, 8-11.
The Naqshbandi order in Syria came to be particularly associated with Aleppo city, where Naqshbandi zawiyas (spiritual centers) abounded and served as centers for spiritual and musical studies.
Key Figures in the Naqshbandi Order in Syria
Sheikh Ahmad al-Kurdi al-Naqshbandi: Arguably one of the most famous Naqshbandi sheikhs in Syria, he helped spread the order in Aleppo and Damascus. Mohammad Adnan Katbi(2019, march 13), The Association of Syrian Scholar,
URL رابطة العلماء السوريين | علماء فقهاء | الشيخ أحمد الكردي
Sheikh Muhammad Abu al-Nasr al-Naqshbandi: One of the most famous Naqshbandi sheikhs of the 20th century, he helped a great deal in revitalizing the order and converting followers.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir al-Kilani al-Naqshbandi: While he is also part of the Qadiri order, certain sub-orders of the Naqshbandi order in Syria view him as a significant spiritual master. Mohammad Jounaid Alqadiri,(2018, December 18), Arabic Modwana,
URL نبذة عن سيرة الشيخ عبد القادر الجيلاني
Poems and Sufi Chants: The Syrian Naqshbandi order is famous for employing Sufi poetry during its rituals, particularly in "hadras" and sama'. Some of the most popular poems recited in this order include:
Poems of Sheikh Abd al-Ghani al-Nabulsi: A Damascus-based Sufi poet and scholar of the 17th century. His renowned poems include:
"Ya Ghayat al-Amal": A eulogistic poem about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
"Asrar al-Tawhid": A poem concerning the divine unity and spiritual love.
Poems of Sheikh Ahmad al-Kurdi al-Naqshbandi: He composed numerous Sufi poems read in the rituals, including:
بكيت على مفارقة الشقيق ... بدمع أحمرٍ مثلِ الشقيق
أخٍ قد كان بي برّاً شفيقاً ... فوا أسفي على البرّ الشفيق
يرى ما لا أرى في شأن عيشي ... ويُتْعب نفسه في دفع ضيقي
شقيقي يا أخي أنت ابن أمي ... رعاك اللّه من خلٍّ صديق
Nabulsi Encyclopedia,(2021, Februari 18), article14757,
URL موسوعة النابلسي للعلوم الإسلامية
Other Poems: Other poems by other Sufi poets like Jalaluddin Rumi and Ibn al-Farid are also used, along with at times translation into common Arabic in order to be more grounded among the followers.
Music and Rituals
Hadra: A congregational practice involving remembrance, chanting, and rhythmic motion. Drums and tambourines are used, usually in the direction of the "muqaddam" or sheikh.
Sufi Listening (Sama'): Is rooted in the shared recitation of Sufi poetry, specifically rhythms that help achieve a state of spiritual ecstasy.