Algerians are worried about Karakaria

MENA

Published: 2017-08-26 12:22

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 07:20


Members of Karakaria donning colorful robes. (Photo Credit: Echourouk)
Members of Karakaria donning colorful robes. (Photo Credit: Echourouk)

Warnings have been issued from Algerian imams and sheikhs, according to Middle East Monitor, over a "suspicious" cult, known as Karakaria. 

Echourouk, an Algerian news source, investigated Karakaria by interviewing local elders in the town of Hadjadj, about the supposed cult. Karakaria, according to them, “is based on superstition and has nothing to do with the Maliki School of Islamic thought as generally practiced in Algeria.”

Middle East Monitor reports that some scholars believe Karakaria is based upon supposedly Sufi doctrines, but is in reality an invention of foreign intelligence agencies aiming to spread division and chaos within Muslim communities.

Religious leadrs in the town, which is near the coastal city of Mostaganem, claim that the cult threatens their belief and doctrines within the Sunnah. Karakaria is suppoesdly very popular in Morocco, with its headquarters stationed in the town of Temsamane. 

Musa Belghith, a member of Karakaria, says he "saw the light" in Temsamane, where he was taught the "secrets of the divine" by his "sheikh". Belghith posted his experience on social media, making the alleged cult's thoughts and ideas spread amongst young people. 

Followers of the group apparently roam around wearing a “uniform” of a cloak of different colours.

"Photographs of members of the Karakaria community at the shrine of Sidi Lakhdar Ben Khloof in Mostaganem created a great debate on social networks," states the report. As a result, religious elders and scholars were urged to take action against what they believe to be an attack on "religious authority by foreign forces". 

They insist that the "cult" should be listed along with Shia and Ahmadi sects that threaten mainstream Sunni thought, especially as practiced in Algeria. 

Karakaria however, has found somewhat of an ally in Abu Abdullah Gholamullah, the former minister of religious affairs and head of the Supreme Islamic Council. Gholamullah has justified the shrine visit on the basis of “religious tourism”.

He insists that such sites are open to everyone, and are neither affected by nor affect their visitors. He pointed out that Sidi Lakhdar Ben Khloof was a poet and a historical figure who is not affiliated with Sufism.

According to Sheikh Hassani Hassan of the Qadiriyya Sufi fraternity, foreign intrustions to Algeria can take many forms. He believes that Sufi doctrines are unreasonably targeted, and expresses concern about the origins of Karakaria. He also expressed concern over the Ministry of Religious Affairs's attitude towards such issues. 

He added a warning about “internet sheikhs”, since Algerian law does not protect the Sufi and Maliki schools of thought. Hassan also believes groups like Karakaria result in a change of prevailing thought, deepening ideological conflict between people. 

The report however, has not stated Karakaria's doctrines, nor their practices. While some religious authorities claim that the existence of such groups destablizie the "fabric of Algerian society", it is unclear if they intentionally cause conflict between people or simply practice their beliefs.