Algeria attempts to reduce Salafist influence
In an attempt to stamp out the more extreme and violent Islamist factions, Algeria is trialing a decidedly unique strategy. The government there is promoting a peaceful a branch of Islam associated with contemplation not combat, namely Sufism. Algeria is concerned about the growing influence of Salafism in the country, believed by some analysts to be the dominant belief set of many of the militants behind Algeria’s insurgency. Salafism has its roots in Saudi Arabia, and is a stricter form of Islamic observance.
Salafists are a highly visible sect in Algeria as most sport beards and wear a ‘Kamiss’, a long white robe, and white skullcaps. Salafi in a puritanical form can lead to a strict behavioral code that some claim as a justification for violence against non-Salafis. This understanding of the tenets of Salifism is not universal though. Many Salafis reject violence, and others have actively renounced it since the Sept. 11, 2001. However, several militant groups still claim Salafism as their ideology in Algeria and other parts of the region. It is a novel approach to the growing militancy problem in the country, however, some hard line Salafists have a derogatory view of Sufism that may well prove difficult to combat. Sufism is negative. “It doesn’t seek change. It promotes charlatanism,” said Sheikh Abdelfatah, an influential Salafist imam based in Algiers. “Salafism is good and combats harmful ideas. We encourage our youth to follow the rules of Islam and get away from the western way of life.” It is an interesting religious and social experiment, and if it proves of value, could be a model for other countries to emulate.
Sphere: Related ContentAfter using police raids, arrests and gun battles in its fight against Islamist insurgents, Algeria is now deploying a new, more subtle weapon: a branch of Islam associated with contemplation, not combat.
The authorities have created a television and radio station to promote Sufism and the “zaouias” or religious confraternities that preach and practice it, in addition to regular appearances by Sufi sheikhs on other stations. All are tightly controlled by the state.
Sufism, found in many parts of the Muslim world, places a greater focus on prayer and recitation and its followers have tended to stay out of politics.
