Sheikh Ahmad Tijani Ali Cisse is the current spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya Sufi order, the largest Sufi order in West Africa. He has held this position since 15 August 2008, when he was unanimously elected by leading members of the order.

Lineage and Teachers: Born in 1955, Sheikh Tijani Cisse is the son of Sheikh Ali Cisse, the closest disciple of Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, and Fatima Zahra Niasse, Sheikh Ibrahim’s daughter. After memorising the Qur’an in Medina-Baye, he began his career as a Qur’an teacher while pursuing his Islamic studies under the direct mentorship of his father and grandfather. He continued his formal studies in Al-Azhar University and continued it through extensive travels, where he engaged in religious debates and interfaith dialogue, further solidifying his scholarly credentials.

The Grand Mosque in Medina-Baye: As the Imam of the Grand Mosque at Medina-Baye (founded in 1937 by Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse), Sheikh Tijani Cisse is the spiritual heart of the Tijaniyya community. The mosque attracts millions of visitors every year and up to 2 million during Mawlid celebrations.

Descendent of The Tijaniyya Founder: The Tijaniyya is a Sufi order founded by Ahmad Al-Tijani Hasani, an Algerian, in the late 18th century. As the spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya, Cisse is considered to be the bearer of a spiritual inspiration called the Fayda Tijaniyya (“flood” or “overflow of spiritual grace”), giving him authority to carry on the teachings of Ahmad Al-Tijani Hasani. The Tijanis are characterised by strict following of the sunnah, recitation of spiritual litanies (awrad), individually and in gatherings, and an emphasis on developing an inner relationship with God.