The social role of the Ahmadiyya Idrisiyya order in the “Daraw” region of southern Egypt (a field study in social anthropology) | ||
| Aswan Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences | ||
| Article 4, Volume 1, Issue 2, October 2025, Pages 45-55 PDF (946.43 K) | ||
| Document Type: Research article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ajabs.2025.406531.1016 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Sohair El-Damanhory1; Hanaa Khalil* 2 | ||
| 1Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Arts, Helwan University, Egypt. | ||
| 2Department of Anthropology, Institute of African and Nile Basin Research and Studies, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study sought to achieve its main objective, which is to identify the social role of the Ahmadiyya Idrisi order and to determine the extent of its impact on social relations and social cohesion within the studied community in the Daraw area, Aswan Governorate, southern Egypt. The study relied on multiple methodological procedures and theoretical orientations, most notably role theory and the anthropological approach, supported by fieldwork tools such as the interview and participant observation. Findings revealed that the Ahmadiyya Idrisiyya path plays an effective role in the process of socialization, as it seeks to purify the soul from reprehensible traits and to instill praiseworthy qualities, which in turn transforms the individual’s personality and is reflected in his way of thinking, values, customs, attitudes, and patterns of behavior within society. The results also confirmed that the Ahmadiyya Idrisiyya order performs a vital function in maintaining social control, since members of the community often resort to it more frequently than to official institutions, particularly in the settlement of blood feud conflicts. Furthermore, the religious practices of the Order, including the organization of Ḍadrāt, the holding of dhikr sessions, and the celebration of the Prophet’s birth, play a central role in transmitting and spreading Sufi teachings through zawiyas and courtyards. In addition, the rituals and rites practiced during religious festivals and celebrations contribute to the expansion of social networks, as they encourage acquaintance, strengthen bonds among participants, and thereby reinforce social cohesion in the wider community. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Sufi orders; Sufism; Social role | ||
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