The Way of the Saints: Tunisia's Sufi Tradition
In this documentary-style video, we explore the many sufi figures that have left a mark on the country of Tunisia, with footage I got while I visited the country recently.
Music by:
Filip Holm (me)
Feras Charestan
Most of my music can be found here:
Filip Holm: open.spotify.com/artist/2O7FL...
Zini: open.spotify.com/artist/0jy5K...
Support Let's Talk Religion on Patreon: / letstalkreligion
Or through a one-time donation: www.paypal.com/paypalme/letst...
Also check out the Let's Talk Religion Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/0ih4sqt...
Sources/Suggested Reading:
Chittick, William (2005). "Ibn Arabi: Heir to the Prophets". OneWorld Publications.
Chittick, William (1989). "The Sufi Path of Knowledge: Ibn 'Arabi's Metaphysics of Imagination".
Chittick, William (1998). "The Self-Disclosure of God: Principles of Ibn al-'Arabi's Cosmology". State University of New York Press.
Cornell, Vincent J. (1998). "Realm of the Saint: Power and Authority in Moroccan Sufism". University of Texas Press.
Gardiner, Noah (2012). “Forbidden Knowledge? Notes on the production, transmission, and reception of the major works of Ahmad al-Buni”. Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies 12 (2012). University of Michigan.
Gardiner, Noah (2017). “Stars and Saints: The Esotericist Astrology of the Sufi Occultist Ahmad al-Buni”. Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft (Spring 2017). University of Pennsylvania Press.
Ibn 'Arabi - "The Ringstones of Wisdom (Fusus al-Hikam)". Translation by Caner K. Dagli. Great Books of the Islamic World.
Ibn 'Arabi - "The Openings Revealed in Makkah: al-futuhat al-makkiyya". Translated by Eric Winkel. Volumes 1-4. Pir Press.
Ibn 'Arabi - "Contemplation of the Holy Mysteries" (Mashahid al-asrar). Translated by Cecilia Twinch & Pablo Beneito. Anqa Publishing.
Sacred Footstepts - "The Café of Saints" (Article): sacredfootsteps.com/2017/12/2...
#tunisia #islam #sufism
Пікірлер: 666
As a Tunisian, this video fills my heart with joy. Thank you so much for your work.
@mball6676
Жыл бұрын
aye , me too as a tunisian it entices me to see people from distant lands learn about my dear country. i love religion and its history and my county's religious history baffle me
@cows3043
Жыл бұрын
I didn't see ir coming honestly lol
@LibertaPS
Жыл бұрын
Tunisians represent
@MaroKhal
Жыл бұрын
Same here ! nice to know there's others that follow this channel
@kutterr7
Жыл бұрын
nice to see other tunisians on this channel
As a Muslim from Singapore, I am proud of this great country. I love Tunisia, the beautiful mosques, the architecture, and the wonderful people of the city as well. I would love to explore more of the mausoleums of Sufi saints.
@lefaraone03
Жыл бұрын
We love singapore too habibi you have beautiful beaches 🇹🇳🇸🇬
@adiboss8427
4 ай бұрын
you're not muslim so? Because a muslim is a one who submit to Allah and worship him and ask him everything. The mausoleums and all of this are shirk and u will go straight to hell
@Thehermitist
3 күн бұрын
Inshallah may Allah bless u
I am not a Muslim, but I have always been so impressed with the beauty of Arabic calligraphy (I know you did an episode on that) as well as the unparalleled architecture. The spirituality of Islam comes out in more than the Sufi philosophy. It's all so impressive.
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
There is definitely some stunning art in the Islamic world.
@promma1730
Жыл бұрын
@@LetsTalkReligion Priest Hilarion Heagy now ( Said Abdul Latif) mentioned your Channel ...
@masteroogwaysunknowndiscip6211
Жыл бұрын
Which video did he do about Arabic calligraphy?
@samjohnson5044
Жыл бұрын
@@masteroogwaysunknowndiscip6211 kzread.info/dash/bejne/nIuIpJdyhNW0obQ.html (Actually, it was about Arabic, not calligraphy.)
@gorillaguerillaDK
Жыл бұрын
@FI433s$678 Blah blah blah blah
Wow.. I'm absolutly stunned As a tunisian, i can't be more proud. You taught me a lot of things i didn't know about our history. Great video as usual
I got chills hearing the dhikr of 17:00 how beautiful is that ! it makes me feel something very special , like a a whole new way of seeing the world , bless you all my muslim brothers , i converted to islam 2 months ago as i find it the most convincing religion and i love reading and learning better about quran and im practicing my 5 prayers daily alhamdullilah ! peace upon you brothers and i hope i ll visit tunisia soon❤
@soumaomar
Жыл бұрын
Welcome to islam brother
@hz6612
Жыл бұрын
@@soumaomar Thank you !
@TarekMarzouki
Жыл бұрын
Welcome brother! Now It is all about consistency and getting the right knowledge
@thenyaiofficial
Жыл бұрын
Welcome to Islam, you “feel” the zikr ..and that is one aspect of being moslem that is very special…may Allah bless you dear brother
@Some_Deist
Жыл бұрын
@@thenyaiofficial How to respond to extremists who say sufism is bidah?
I am Tunisian and I didn't know some of the informations you said in the video thanks so much for sharing and posting such a beautiful video ❤
So refreshing to see footage of Tunisia combined with your calm narration. Wonderful and interesting work as always! Have you ever thought about making a video about sufism in Europe? Particularly in the Balkan area - Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo etc. Might be an interesting topic for you, and not gonna lie, I would love to see that one myself :) Greetings from Bosnia, keep up the good work Filip!
@jacovawernett3077
Жыл бұрын
Then I will teach you some Aramaic. It's the slang of Hebrew. Schlama means peace. Malkuth means heaven. Hubba means love. I recommend Rabbi Jacobson's Lao Tzu KZread video. I was born March 11th in Bethlehem.
@niklaspotter7003
Жыл бұрын
I for one would love more videos about Islam in Europe. It's a hugely under-served aspect in our learning growing up European
@EsotericCat
Жыл бұрын
@@jacovawernett3077 bro what does that mean
@jacovawernett3077
Жыл бұрын
@@EsotericCat I'm a female. My Hebrew name Jacova is the female form of Jacob. I was born March 11th in Bethlehem. P.S..I've been threatening the 3 Gorges Dam the past week on line. Namaste. I timestamp my prescience.
@jacovawernett3077
Жыл бұрын
@@EsotericCat 11.11.2015..Honolulu, Nimitz hgwy morning. I woke up and immediately God spoke to my right ear from above. He said, you are rain. I walked out to the balcony, stretched my arms to the sky and said, it's time for a rainbow. Immediately a double rainbow appeared beside the building and reached out to the Pacific Ocean. A neighbor lady asked me, how did you do that I answered, I am not a solo act. God is not a solo act. No one is a solo act. L'chaim
Thank you for your Work.
As a Tunisian, i am baffled by the information in this video and the investment ! Everything was on point, you understood the importance of these figures in our culture the way we perceive them and not from an exterior's point of view ! In Tunisia, even to this day, we say jokingly that if there's a reason we're still okay it's sidi belhassen 😅 as if he will pray to God to protect this country. Those zwiy (plural of zawiya) were not only safe spaces for thikr and peace but also people would go there and bring food to the needy. My mom's grandma used to do that pretty much every week, it's called a ziyara. They bring couscous, and there, the poor will find asylum and also food. That's how in those societies people don't die out of poorness. You made me want to visit those zwiy in my country so bad ! Amazing job !
I’m a Shadhuli Sufi. I was literally looking for a place to do thikr in Ramadan and came across your channel and this episode. Subhanallah. I will visit the Abu Said al-Baji zawia this week. Will you believe I’ve lived here for months and never knew this is where the Tariqa was born? You literally answered my prayers. Thank you very much. Bless you.
@Jaffar540
Жыл бұрын
May Allaah 'azzawajal guide you. Aameen (from Singapore)
@tunisoft7465
Жыл бұрын
ألا وإنَّ من كان قبلَكم كانوا يتَّخذونَ قبورَ أنبيائِهم وصالِحِيهم مساجدَ ، ألا فلا تتَّخذوا القبورَ مساجدَ إني أنهاكُم عن ذلك صدق رسول الله صل الله عليه وسلم
@tunisoft7465
Жыл бұрын
قَاتَلَ اللَّهُ اليَهُودَ، اتَّخَذُوا قُبُورَ أَنْبِيَائِهِمْ مَسَاجِدَ رواه البخاري و مسلم لَعَنَ اللَّهُ اليَهُودَ وَالنَّصَارَى اتَّخَذُوا قُبُورَ أَنْبِيَائِهِمْ مَسَاجِدَ رواه البخاري و مسلم
@rihabelhaj7368
Жыл бұрын
@@tunisoft7465 قبر رسول الله في مسجد النبوي الصلاة بحدا الرسول في الروضة تعتبر من اعلا انواع العبادة. هل يعبدون في الرسول؟ طبعن لا. برضو الصوفي لا يعبد او يدعي الا الشيوخ والا الجاهل
@alhashmy1310
Жыл бұрын
@@rihabelhaj7368 قبر النبي كان هناك قبل بناء المسجد ثانيا القبر خارج المسجد وليس بداخله
Watching from Nigeria bearing Sufism path. Thank you so much 🥰
I showed my dad your video and he said he saw you in zawyat sidi belhassan! He goes there every week. Much love from Tunisia.
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Oh lovely! Tell your dad I am very thankful for being invited and given the opportunity to share that moment with them.
I myself am Tunisian, but I did nt know about much of what you beautifully presented here ! Wow ! Magnificent..
Your service to Islam is great and generous in this troubled times. Thank you and may God be pleased with you
@MSS-nt9ko
Жыл бұрын
Aameen, Summa Aameen. May Allah guide Filip to Islam and make him recite the Kalma-i-Shahadat… aameen
@zack_420
Жыл бұрын
As someone born in Sweden and living in the U.S.A., just know that there is much love for the Islamic world over on this side of the globe as well :) The people who can see past petty politics and misrepresentation will always recognize the beauty in your culture. I hope one day to visit many Islamic countries and experience their beauty. Sending much love your way.
@MSS-nt9ko
Жыл бұрын
@@zack_420 same prayers for you as i made for Filip. I hope God opens your heart to Islam and the Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w)
@miguelatkinson
Жыл бұрын
So how I doubt that would happen
@darkpriest7945
Жыл бұрын
@@miguelatkinson And there comes this dude from every comment section ever.
MasAllah beautiful. Love from Bangladesh to our Tunis brothers and sisters ❤ and Ur narration is so soothing. Good job
I hope you have more material like this about specific cities history. I cannot understate how great this was. I followed along on Google maps and I'm yearning for the day I can get there
Greetings from indonesia..we love maghrib country..Imam Abu Hasan Asy-syadzili is one of great imam and hizb bahar is very popular in south east asia, particularly in indonesia ❤❤❤
A lovely tradition... I got some deep spiritual resonance from the video and it reminded me of a prayer: “Feel the presence of all the Spiritual Families, all the means of God in all worlds, in all places, in all hearts and in all minds. The call of God is Universal. The response is Universal. This is the purpose of life: the call, the response, the expression, the forgiveness, and the return.” The prayer is from MV Summers' work.
@johnchapman5125
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
It's just amazing how this video introduced aspects of the city that are often forgotten, and highlighted the spiritual value of Tunis so beautifully, away from the typical tourism focused image. This is a beautiful reminder for me to reconnect with the spirituality of my own country !
While you were sitting and watching the sea, I was there with you. Thank you Filip. Peace be with you.
I just came back from my home country Tunisia, and your video filled me such emotions about all what I love about my country, your video reflects a great work of a historian and a passionnate researcher
Wow I've been a big fan of your work for a while as Sufi, but now you are also talking about my country, I am sending. Love and peace your way brother.
As a Tunisian I’m impressed with all the informations you gathered in this video about Sufism. You nailed it man, good job
The biggest Shadhili mentor in the Levant and Turkey area just passed away few days ago, his name is Ahmad Fath-Allah Aljami رحمه الله، he was the successor of my master sheikh Abdul Qadir Isa Alhashimi (the biggest shadhili mentor in the world at his time) May allah be pleased with him. The new successor now is my master sheikh Abdullah Rajjo Alhashimi, he’s a pious god fearing man who lost his oldest son in the earthquake of Turkey/Syria.
I'm a Tunisian and I've been following you for a few years now but I've never expected you to make an entire video about sufism in my country so thank you. Tunisia is very attached to sufi traditions and and many of the things that we do or that you see in the country are linked in some way or another to it so thank you for showcasing that and I wish that you would come back again and visit other saints in other parts of Tunisia and know their stories because each city has a patron saint and many other saints as well.
@esmamrahorovic5904
Ай бұрын
Is there Sufi places in Hammamet or Monastir?
@bevhirmilos7850
Ай бұрын
@@esmamrahorovic5904 Yes! In every city there are at least 2-3. Of course there are patron saints in each, in Monastir it's 'El Mezri' but I encourage you to visit Sidi belhassen mentioned in the video, sidi Bou said (the city was named after the saint), sidi mehrez (Tunis) and sidi Sahbi (Kairouan).
@esmamrahorovic5904
Ай бұрын
@@bevhirmilos7850 thank You for answer! Do you know the name of sufi place in Hammamet?
If only most of us "Tunisoids" saw and felt our hometown as affectionately as you presented it in this beautiful video! Have been a subscriber for a while now and I haven't expected this haha I'm a bit sad tho as I missed the chance to meet and talk with you 😅
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Maybe next time, God willing!
@houssemeddinemhiri8909
Жыл бұрын
You're absoluty right bro..
Your best work yet. This is beyond what I've ever expected. Thank you for doing this work for us!!
I was already following your videos for some time, it's a nice surprise to see a video about my country sufi figures, thank you for the video and for coming here !
your writing and narration has become so incredibly pelasant and informative over time loved this exploration of a fascinating place i knew much too little about in conclusion: thank you, big fan, keep it up :)
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Glad to hear that I'm improving!
@dman5501
Жыл бұрын
We need to protect this man
Thank you. This is beautifully narrated, filmed and edited with some stunning visuals; many pearls of academic knowledge and wisdom, with deep spiritual and mystical potency. Sufism captured my soul many years ago. As Ibn Arabi said: "The enlightened are not bound by religion", that profound statement has always resounded in my soul. Thank you. 🙏
@hasanaliqadri1508
Жыл бұрын
Which book it has been quoted?
This is such a peaceful video 😌 I would definitely love more of this kind. Your voice as always is calming and the knowledge you provide is unmatched anywhere on KZread. Thank you for making these videos 🙌🏻 seeing through history and talking about people that once roamed this planet has a different vibe altogether. I always feel like I'm in an astral plane and personally seeing these events unfold before my eyes but I can't interact with them
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Poetic words! Thank you!
Filip, you've knocked it out of the park once again with this video. I loved the documentary style too, it has increased my desire to visit Tunisia. Incredible work!
Tears...thankful for this gift today. I was just there not 3 months ago!...also to be with the Sufi tradition in the land. It means a lot to see it all again.
@TheLightuponLight
Жыл бұрын
Which tariqat did you spend time with? 😊
So grateful that places like this still exist. Thank you Filip.
Timecode 16 : I can recognise the end of "Hizbu al-Bahr", one of the most powerful incantations of Shadhiliya. Greetings from Tunis ! I discovered your channel in January. Great content, thank you very much !
Beautiful episode, Filip. I hope someday I can visit Tunisia to go and pray in those sites 🙏🏻
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Highly recomended!
As a Tunisian, thank you for making such a beautiful video 🤲
Thank you for this wonderfull document. Your calm natation added beauty to the image. I hope that my fellow Tunisian Will like and share your work messively. Hope you success in your futur documentaries.
Excellent video, I would certainly enjoy a visit to Tunisia to see the legacy of these figures for myself one day.
Beautiful work! Thank you
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I've been watching your videos for over a year now and I've never expected a video about my country on this channel. Huge fan of your work btw
Wow! I can't believe you were just a few hundred meters away from my house! As someone who's been an avid viewer of your videos for years, it's a bit disappointing that I missed the chance to talk to you in person. Nonetheless, your video was fantastic, as always, and I appreciate the effort you put into producing such high-quality content. Your videos have taught me so much, including about my own culture, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from you. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to watching more of your videos! 😊
I'm from tunisia and i like to say very nice video sir , so well detailed and presented stuff.
What a magnificent piece of art (this mini documentary). Love it fully. Indeed, after watching your video multiple times, I feel like my ''Iman'' increased. ❤️
Wow, I love watching this channel, and to my surprise I find a video about my country! Your research is amazing, very accurate and well informed. Keep up the great work!
@jnainabenaissa2643
Жыл бұрын
I would also like to know if you've ever heard of Sufi enneagrams? They are very interesting and I would love to hear your take on them!
Everything about this essay was great. From the content, to the shots and editing (:
I didnt know that they had female Sufis, I had a dream that showed me a female Sufi, so this confirms my dream that it might be some special dream. Be blessed.
it's quite amazing to find out that one of my favourite youtube channels makes a video about my country
@aasifazimabadi786
Жыл бұрын
Inshallah, I will visit this amazing land before I die. Inchallah. Assalam alaykum.
Traditionaly, "coffee" is called "chadleya" in Tunisia in reference to Abu Hassan Chedli who allowed its consumption in the country to help the disciples stay awake during long meditations.
These videos are worth million’s . I wish you could make a video on, “Buddhism in relation with Islam”.
@jacovawernett3077
Жыл бұрын
Then I recommend Rabbi Jacobson and his Lao Tzu KZread video. I will teach you some Aramaic. It's the slang of Hebrew. Schlama means peace. Malkuth means heaven. Hubba means love.
@coleman318
Жыл бұрын
So Hubba Hubba means love love?
@rafaelnunesduarte
Жыл бұрын
@@coleman318😂😂😂
@vanessajoycecollett6607
Жыл бұрын
Yeah he really should
@jacovawernett3077
Жыл бұрын
@@vanessajoycecollett6607 okie dokie I live on N Van Ness Avenue, Hollywood. Recently
You have so much amazing content, but this might be one of the best videos you have made.
This is such an outstanding video; your work really is fantastic. It's also cool seeing a heap of appreciative Tunisians in the comments; I think that there's something really beautiful about people getting excited about the sharing of the culture and history of their environment. Thank you for your work.
Sufism is an essential part of Tunisian culture 🇹🇳🫡
OMG Fillip !! Finally a video on Tunisia'a saints ! Thank you !!
Impressive and even as Tunisian citizen I learned from you and visited through your trip places I didn’t know about . I really appreciate Thank you
@Souhail2711
Жыл бұрын
By the way I m a follow of chedhelia tariqua
I've been following your channel for quite a while. Your videos are really informative and well researched. I'm from Tunisia, I'm glad you visited ! Hope your stay was enjoyable :D
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
It was very enjoyable! Thank you for having me!
This kind of video is so amazing, loved it ❤ hope you can many more like this one
well timed for the Ramadan season, you really outdid yourself this time. Greetings from Ariana (just north of Tunis) I hope you enjoyed your stay!
I hope this is just the start of a series of videos of your travels in sacred places. Great work Filip!
I am grateful and gratified that I have "discovered" (by chance) your KZread channel. I have seen only three videos but it feels like I have attended graduate program on religion. Thank you for sharing your brilliant scholarship.
This was 👏Perfect. I wasn't watching just a video. It was like a journey to a different space and time and I felt something very special that I couldn't express. Wonderful 👏
Beautifully filmed and so informative. Thank you 💫🌙
Your videos are wonderful. I learn so much from watching them and listening to your podcast. Thank you 🙏🏻
Please make a video on Sufi philosophy regarding the heart (i.e the qalb, aql, nafs and ruh) explaining what they mean by different Sufi traditions
Your every work is appreciable
amazing video. i am so happy to see such a detailed video about my country's spirituality.
I listened to the video because I was on the bus. Beautiful stuff. Will watch it when I get home god willing.
This video was a balm for my heart, I am very grateful to you for highlighting Syeda Manoubia (RAA) and the other female Sufi teachers. I hope to hear more about them!
Beautiful episode! Thank you.
Thank you! I am a history teacher at a Jesuit institute in Santo Domingo. I ve been to Tunisia in 1973, and still remember the perfum of the air, from the Sahara I imagined, and the call of the street vendors "digla ya digla". I liked your presentation very much. Shukran!
Thank you for your beautiful research work and providing such a great video to all.💚💜💛
Always extraordinary. Thank you, Filip
It’s good to finally see you outside of your studio ❤
This was awesome and truly stands out even among your many other great videos.
A great episode... Thank you! 🙏
I'm following you for a long time and I didn't see this coming. It made me happy that you come to Tunis and. This video depicted my country in a new and a beautiful way ❤❤❤
This is a great video. Thank you so much for your efforts!
Such a great video. Thank you. ❤
Always happy to see an new video, the last few have been fantastic . I've been watching the work of your friend ESOTERICA which is fantastic also. It's so great to see this appetite for long-form content covering these topics.
Thank you so much for the great work ❤
this was absolutely amazing. as a tunisian in the diaspora who’s never been back home, and is enamored with sufism, you’ve given me many places to visit when i do go. more videos on tunisia please
this is the way of Tunisians and Zaitouna throughout history : Concerning the tenets of belief of (Imam) al-Ash`ari, the jurisprudence of (Imam) Malik, | and the path of Junayd, the (spiritual) traveler. thank you for this video
thank you for these videos, they may not generate as many views as general topics, but theyre so informative!
Every time I watch one of your videos on Sufism I feel the desire to learn Arabic and delve into the works of these great mystics myself.
Great video, thank you for your work.
Wonderful documentary, good job, thank you so much for your attention to details and for choosing my beloved country Tunisia ❤🇹🇳
Love the hardwork you put into your videos. One can tell that you're passionate about what you talk about
thanks for another great video you presentation is alway so clear, calm and concise.
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!
I just want you to know that I love this channel and I put it on every night when I'm going to sleep. Your voice is very soothing and religious history is quite interesting as well as quite the sedative :). I've loved learning about the Sufi mystics. I feel a connection to that way of worshiping. Thanks for explaining islam and helping more people understand that it's a beautiful path.
I am a longtime student of the larger prajnaparamita sutras, but I am very interested in the Quran and Sufism. Your videos have been very helpful to me. It's nice to see a rational, even minded fellow in such a chaotic and polarized world..continue the excellent work. PS, if you haven't read Conze's translation/compilation Larger Prajna Sutra, I highly recommend it.
Beautiful job once again jazakallahu khayr may Allah open our hearts to islam and tasawwuf
Thank you for helping people discover this unkown part of Tunisia. I hope next time you come here you'd visit other cities which also have some very famous saints.
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
For sure, would love to come back! I was in Kairouan and al-Jam too, but only briefly.
@nidhal4
Жыл бұрын
@@LetsTalkReligion I invite you to come to Béja in the northwestern part of Tunisia, there is also Sousse, Monastir and Gabes that have a rich mystical heritage!
@mat7083
Жыл бұрын
🚬
Tunisia is often perceived as one of the most secular among Muslim nations: such a nice coverage of these less known facts.
Salam from Indonesia moslem to all brothers and sisters in Tunisia.
Phenomenal!!! Thanks so SOOO Much!!!
This was beautiful. Thank you Filip ❤
@LetsTalkReligion
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Zevi! ❤
OMG YOU'RE OUT ON LOCATION, I LOVE THIS!!!
You are a gem on youtube. Love from Tunisia❤️
Enjoyed seeing Tunisia and your video comments. Very interesting; thanks so much for sharing! ❤
What a wonderful information from our beloved Mr. flip H, inspiring & insightful as always. May ALLHA bless him with good health & long life to enlighten us all.