Skiredj Library of Tijani Studies
The erudite overseer of the site, Master Sidi Mohammed Erradi Guennūn Al-Idrissi Al-Hassani, states:
In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. Praise be to God, and peace and blessings be upon our master Mohammed, the Opener, the Seal, the Victor, the Guide.
Someone once asked me who the scholars of the Tijani path are and what distinguishes them. I replied that, from a jurisprudential standpoint, the scholars of the path do not differ from other scholars. They are well-versed in the Quran, jurisprudence, hadith, exegesis, language, prophetic biography, grammar, and various other Islamic sciences and disciplines.
Beyond that, the scholars of the path are distinguished by their deep knowledge of the conditions, rules, and principles of the Tijani way, as well as their understanding of what the disciple does and does not need. They also master the specific jurisprudence of the path, meaning knowledge of its litanies (awrad) concerning obligations, recommendations, preferred practices, disapprovals, and prohibitions. Additionally, they possess a comprehensive understanding of the biography of our master, Cheikh Tijani, may God be pleased with him, from his childhood to his passing, the events and key moments of his life, the masters he followed, and the individuals he met in the early stages of his journey. They also understand how he attained the great spiritual opening (al-fath al-akbar) upon meeting his forebear, the Prophet, may peace and blessings be upon him, in wakefulness and not in a dream.
In addition, a scholar of the path must be well-informed about the works and research in the Tijani way, its references and sources, and various documents and manuscripts, both handwritten and printed. They must also follow the lives of prominent figures of the path who preceded them and familiarize themselves with their notes, correspondence, collections, and other writings.
Furthermore, a scholar of the path must embody the prophetic tradition, guiding disciples and aspirants according to the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah, educating them through his words, actions, and conduct. He provides guidance in the appropriate time and place and treats them with kindness and care, like a father with his children.
What we have mentioned here is only a fraction of what is required of a scholar of the path. Indeed, the responsibility is great, as they are tasked with leading the disciples who gather around them. As you know, one cannot give what they do not possess; one without wealth cannot provide wealth, and one without knowledge cannot provide knowledge.
Moreover, it is essential that he has a special authorization, even through intermediaries from the noble presence (moqadems), as, as you know, driving requires a license, and those who drive without a license commit an offense and expose themselves to penalties. We ask God for safety and well-being.