Cairo looks to Sufi sheikhs to counter extremism
A new Sufi order has been added to the 77 other orders that are recognized in Egypt; some believe that with this step, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is gearing up for the upcoming elections.
CAIRO — Al-Shadhiliya Al-Uliya is a new Sufi order in Egypt that will be launched officially during the holy month of Ramadan (May-June), according to a source belonging to this new order, who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.
The Supreme Council of Sufi Orders in Egypt and the Ministry of Awqaf approved Feb. 21 the official registration of the new order and for it to be added to the 77 other Sufi orders that are officially recognized in Egypt. Sheikh Ali Gomaa, the former grand mufti of Egypt, is the originator of the new mystic order.
