Boutchichiyya Sufi Order Appoints New Leader

Rabat — The Boutchichiyya Sufi Order announced today that it endorses Mouad as the new sheikh of the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya Sufi order, following a formal declaration by Mounir al-Qadiri Boutchich at the Qadiriyya zawiya (religious center) in Madagh, near Berkane, northeastern Morocco.

The announcement took place before a large gathering of the order’s followers and members of the Boutchichiyya order.

A statement from the Sufi order indicated that Mounir made this decision after prayer and consultation with God, choosing to transfer leadership of Morocco’s most renowned Sufi order to his younger brother Mouad.

It described this decision as a historic step that provides clear religious legitimacy for Mouad to serve as sheikh of the Qadiriyya Boutchichiyya order.

The statement commended Mounir’s human values and high Islamic ethics, calling his action an admirable precedent in the global history of Sufism.

The leadership change aligns with the royal directives of King Mohammed VI and preserves the order’s spiritual, intellectual, social, and diplomatic status while protecting it from division and fragmentation.

The association called Mounir’s endorsement of his younger brother a clear religious authorization and urged all followers to unite around the new sheikh.

The statement also urged the order’s members to close ranks and support the order during this sensitive period to ensure unity and prevent attempts to create discord.

The appointment comes following the death of the leader of the Sheikh Moulay Jamal Eddine El Qadiri Boutchich on August 8, following a prolonged illness that had earlier prompted King Mohammed VI to order his medical evacuation from Oujda to Rabat via a medically equipped helicopter from the Royal Gendarmerie in April.

The Boutchichiyya order represents one of Morocco’s most prominent Sufi orders, with followers across the country and internationally.

The Order’s leadership transition marks a significant moment in its modern history as it continues its spiritual and cultural work under new guidance.