CAIRO — Algeria has been supporting a mystical version of Islam in an effort to battle the rise of Al Qaida in North Africa.   

Officials said the regime of President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika has approved the expansion of the Sufi network in Algeria. Sufi represents a mystical and peaceful practice of Islam that focuses on prayer and meditation.

"In many Arab countries, the Sufis are seen as a threat to the official Muslim clergy, but we see Sufis as a devout alternative to Salafist thought," an official said.

Salafi doctrine was said to serve as the basis for Al Qaida. Salafists have dominated such countries as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

Officials said the Islamic Affairs Ministry has facilitated the expansion of Sufi activities in Algeria. In July, the Sufi movement was permitted to hold an international seminar that contained 5,000 Muslims from 34 countries. Participants included nationals from Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco and the United States.

During the week-long seminar, which ended on Aug. 1, speakers discussed the need for a peaceful Islam. The Sufis, led by Sheik Adlan Khaled Ben Tunis, spent much of their time in meditation and dances.

Officials said the pro-Sufi policy was part of a drive by the Bouteflika regime to battle the Al Qaida Organization in the Islamic Maghreb. Bouteflika has offered amnesty to AQIM operatives who surrender to authorities.

The Islamic Affairs Ministry was also prepared to allow Sufis to distribute literature, CDs and books to schools and mosques. Officials said the Sufis were expected to appeal to young Muslims.  

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