LETTRES SOUFIES - Raison, révélation et tradition au Sahel

Book Description

Through an intimate exchange of twelve letters, this profound work explores the intersection of Islamic spirituality and Western perspectives in contemporary West Africa. The correspondence unfolds between two men from vastly different worlds: a Sufi practitioner and hydraulic engineer trained in anthropology, and a French development worker stationed in Niger for the World Bank.

At the heart of their dialogue stands a revered marabout from Niger, a spiritual guide whose presence catalyzes deep questions about faith, tradition, and cultural understanding. The Sufi correspondent addresses each letter to his spiritual master, creating a unique three-way conversation that bridges the sacred and secular worlds.

This exchange emerges from a pivotal encounter with the marabout, a figure often misunderstood by European observers yet central to West African Sufi brotherhoods. Through their written dialogue, both men confront their own ethical foundations, cultural assumptions, and spiritual beliefs. The Muslim author offers unflinching observations of his French counterpart, while examining the complex dynamics between traditional Islamic wisdom and modern development work.

The letters reveal how genuine spiritual inquiry can emerge from cultural collision, transforming initial misunderstanding into deeper recognition of shared human values. This work offers readers insight into authentic Sufi practice within its African context, while demonstrating how cross-cultural dialogue can illuminate universal spiritual truths that transcend geographical and religious boundaries.