Zawia Ebrahim is a spiritual retreat nestled in the Walker Fruit Farms in Gauteng near Johannesburg, South Africa. The Zawia was founded in 2000 by Shaykh Ebrahim Schuitema of the Darqawi-Shadhiliya Tariqa. Shaykh Ebrahim received his idhn or 'permission' in the Tariqa from the late Shaykh Mustafa Bassir of Morocco.
Shaykh Mustafa Bassir - The Adab of a Zawia
Click here for the main Zawia website
A Zawia (lit. translation corner), is a convent for Sufi devotees. Its history dates back to the early Khanqahs of the tenth century. According to Francis Peters, in “The Monotheists: The Words and Will of God’, “Khanqahs were intended as places where Sufi's could live, pray, and pursue their vision of a mystical vocation in common, under rules that stipulated their behaviour and a sheikh who guided their spiritual progress.” He further explains that a Zawia is however a more personal place associated with a particular Shaykh and his students. Zawias have been particularly popular with the Shaykh's of Morrocco and North Africa at large.
Zawia Ebrahim likewise is a point of convergence for spiritual rejuvenation. The objective of having the Zawia is to have a place for retreat from the physical world for a while in order to reflect on the story of our lives. To be in awe of the Grand Design that manifests in our life and to surrender to the totality of the Other. When a seeker on this path emerges from the Zawia after this period of introspection, they find themselves to be alert, internally gathered and in effect, transformed. They are then ready to go back to their roles and responsibilities and channel the energy they have gained at the Zawia back into the world.
Activities at Zawia Ebrahim:
Zawia Ebrahim is a very austere dwelling that comprises of a mosque, rooms for travelling seekers on the path to live in temporarily and a room for Khalwa (spiritual retreat/seclusion.) Engaging in Khalwa requires Shaykh Ebrahim’s permission. The Khalwa is an intensive exercise in silencing the inner dialogue and achieving peace within and without. It requires one to be in complete seclusion from all worldly connection including Time. The concept is to remind one of the ultimate abode in the grave where all transactions with the world stand suspended. The Khalwa therefore is an opportunity of a lifetime, to suspend all worldly connection and go deep within one’s own self. The Khalwa brings one to one’s truest self. Indeed many of us remain hidden from ourselves for most of our lives. It is the knowledge of one’s self that brings one the knowledge of the Master (Allah).
The Zawia also holds a weekly Dhikr and Hadra. Dhikr is the remembrance of Allah. The form in the Zawia is the chanting of a Darqawi Wird (litany) which includes various invocations, the Kalima, Durud or salawat and other verses from the Quran. Qasidas (songs/hymns) of Shaykh Muhammad Ibn al Habib are sung after the Dhikr which contain within them the praise of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and elucidate the matters of tasawwuf (sufism). This is followed by the Hadra which is a vigorous chant of Allah’s presence and has a special place in the practice of the Shadhili Sufi's. According to Shaykha Amatullah Armstrong:
“Hadra is a method of halting internal dialogue and bringing one into the Now, the Present Moment. Men form themselves into one circle, women in another. Hands are linked. As the dhikr of “Hayy! Allah!” is intoned each member of the circle is moved by the dhikr, with limp arms and loose movements. The attitude is one of surrender. The members of the circle become as one. As the circle intones the dhikr, a member of the men’s circle chants one of the diwans of the Tariqa. His voice must resonate with the dhikr intonation of the circle. The circle becomes like the Ocean and the chanter of the diwan like a wave that rises and falls into that Ocean. The slow movement of the Ocean and the swelling and subsiding of the waves. Gradually the pace of the Hadra quickens and breathing becomes more concentrated. Internal dialogue ceases. The dhikr changes to “Hayy! Hayy! Hayy!” to which each member surrenders. It is the dhikr moving the circle, not the circle dictating and moving the dhikr! Slowly the dhikr softens and recedes back into the stillness. Breathing quietens and gradually each member disengages from the other. The mind and body are still.
The silence that follows the Hadra is profound. There is a depth, an unspeakable tranquillity. From the stillness of the calmed Ocean arises a spontaneous and inspired recitation of the Qur’an.”
After the Hadra Sidi Kamardine, the Imam of the Zawia recites a surah from the Qur’an and the dhikr is concluded by a dars or a small talk by Shaykh Ebrahim on an issue that has been put in question by a student or anything the Shaykh finds significant to dwell upon. After this everyone gathers for a meal.The Virtual Zawia:
What makes Zawia Ebrahim even more special is that it also exists as a group virtually on the internet social utility ‘Facebook’ . The online form of the Zawia has brought people from across the world together as they share their thoughts, questions and lives as seekers on the journey towards God.
The online Zawia is open to all and is a vibrant virtual community with a repository of discourses, videos, books and discussions by the Zawia and between the Zawia members. The Zawia page also coordinates a regular live online discourse with the Shaykh to facilitate members who cannot physically be at the Zawia in South Africa. These discussions and many other discourses are recorded and gathered on another online site, the Zawia’s Media page
The Zawia discussion boards are mostly abuzz with conversations about issues that strike a chord with many people and things related to the Path. It is not surprising then, that people who have never met each other physically are knit together like a family through the virtual Zawia.
A visitors account of their stay at the Zawia:
Al Hamdulillah our stay at the Zawia this year was perfect in every way. Early morning prayers, reading Surah Waqiah, followed by a tafakkur meditation practice. Deliciously prepared meals, comfortable easy living conditions, exceptionally spotless amenities, great company, brilliant leadership in the form of Shaykh Ebrahim,wonderfully stimulating intense group discussions, “one on one with Shaykh Ebrahim”, energising circles of dhikr and Quran, coffee on the verandah, theme discussions, intense thought provoking inspirational heart to heart darses by Shaykh Ebrahim. It was the package needed to awaken and enliven a sleeping soul.
In South Africa the Zawia has got to be the most unique as a gathering place for Muslims and my prediction is that future December gatherings will cause the Zawia to burst at the seams Insha’Allah. In Shaykh Ebrahim we have a gem which up to now has been hidden from the world and once ‘discovered’ by the world we may not be able to enjoy the luxury of such a close personal relationship for much longer. In a discussion with a mureed during the week, we deliberated how admirable & visionary it was for one man to establish an institute like the Zawia with the sole purpose of being there to serve and uplift others unconditionally! May we always regard this contribution not only to Islam but to Humanity, in the highest form of reverence and admiration and not take this contribution for granted …ever. Because in our world of Islam today, we have a multitude of talkers but very few contributors, visionaries and ‘uplifters.’ We have a host of Islamic intelligentsia clamouring for recognition in the Deen but in the process causing so much mayhem and disunity In Shaykh Ebrahim we have a simple humble servant with an extraordinary vision and who clearly lives by what he says viz: “Acting in the best interest of the other is acting in your own highest interest.”
So, an intense sincere note of gratitude to Sheikh Ebrahim for being such a generous host and servant. Also to Apa Touheeda for her kindness and warmest hospitality. To Sidi Kamardine for making our stay so comfortable seeing to all our needs. And to sister Naailah for supporting him and hosting us so warmly. May your kindness and generosity be rewarded in this world and the next. Insha’Allah aameen. – Adiel Howard
