Sheikh Mohamed Abdellatif Belkaïd Al Idrissi Al Hassani, a revered spiritual luminary and guardian of Sufi traditions, passed away on 26 February 2025 in Algeria at the age of 88, leaving an indelible legacy in the realms of Islamic scholarship and mysticism. Born into a distinguished lineage of spiritual guides, Sheikh Abdellatif inherited the mantle of the Hibriyya tariqah—a branch of the ancient Idrissi Sufi order—from his father, Sheikh Belkaïd, continuing a chain of divine transmission that traces back to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Renowned across Algeria, Egypt, and Europe, his zawiya in Algeria served as a vibrant hub for dhikr, Qur’anic exegesis, and moral guidance. Among his illustrious students were high-ranking Algerian officials, whose discreet attendance underscored his profound influence on governance and public service, as well as the eminent Egyptian scholar Sheikh Muhammad Mutawalli Al-Sha’rawi (1911–1998), who sought his counsel in the later years of his life. Sheikh Abdellatif’s teachings emphasised the unity of the divine and the sanctity of knowledge, delivered through sermons that resonated in mosques, universities, and private gatherings. His travels to Europe introduced the tariqah’s contemplative practices to diaspora communities, promoting interfaith dialogue and resilience amid modernity’s challenges.