Algeria promotes mystical variant of Islam to offset Al Qaida
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.
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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.