Al Mukhtar, Islam and

the Senussi Order

Omar Al Mukhtar at the Senussi University of Jaghbub

During his years at the Senussi university of Jaghbub, which was established in 1856 by Mohammed Al Senussi1, Omar developed a strong relationship with the Senussi Order and its doctrines. He also undertook an extremely uncompromising curriculum which included the study of history, jurisprudence, Islamic theology, and Arabic literature2. His years at the university gave him access to the leading scholars and philosophers of that time such as Sheikh Madhi al Senussi, leader of the Senussi Order. It is said that Sheikh Madhi al Senussi, leader of the Senussi Order from 1859 to 1902, once stated, ‘If we had ten Omar al Mukhtars, we would be much better off’3.

Whilst at the Senussi University of Jaghbub, Omar was, like all students, encouraged to take part in services to the community. He was an energetic participant in this area and engaged in many activities, both cultural and civil. This sharpened his ability to organise and nurtured his resolution to serve and protect his people4. The strong emphasis placed by the Senussi University on Islamic education, along with the diverse academic studies, gave Omar a broad and varied education, which played an important part in his future role as leader of the resistance against Libya’s colonisation by the Italians.

Rotrogravure 1922 Senussi University at Jaghbub. Libyan Heritage House Collection

Photo of Jaghbub University from ‘People of all Nations’ edited by John Hammerton. 1920. 320

After studying at the Senussi University for a period of eight years, and playing a pivotal role in the community, Sayyid Ahmad al-Sharif Al Senussi, leader of the Senussi Order from 1902-1933, being impressed with Omars knowledge and leadership skills, appointed him Shaikh of the Senussi Jabal al Akhdar Lodge in northern Cyrenaica, which he joined with great enthusiasm5.

Sayyid Ahmad al-Sharif Al Senussi, Wikimedia Commons

Omar at Jabal al Akhdar

The Jabal al Akhdar Lodge served as the primary Senussi lodge for the Abid tribe, who were known for their hardy and practical approach to life, and their long history of inter-tribal warfare in the Jabal al Akhdar region of Libya.

In 1897 under an order issued by the Senussis, Omar traveled from Mecca, where he was residing at the time, to the Jabal al Akhdar Lodge. There he taught for approximately two years, before traveling to Chad, to fight against French colonisation and to spread the word of Islam.

Omar stayed in Chad until 1906, when he was summoned to return to the Jabal Al Akhdar Lodge to carry on his work and teachings. This was to last until 1908, at which point the Sanussi movement became embroiled in serious fighting with British troops in Musa’id, al-Barda and al-Sulum (Sollum), close to the border of Egypt and Libya, this was as part of the ongoing British fight against the Ottoman Empire. The fighting eventually ended with the British annexation of Sollum in 1916 and its incorporation into their Egyptian colony6.

A captured Senussi tribesman found in a Roman cave near the shore at Sollum.

Omar returned to the Jebel Al Akhdar Lodge, where his personality and deep religious beliefs left a lasting impression on those he taught and counseled.

Omar's love of Islam and the Quran, which he studied and recited daily, was apparent in his strong faith and devout preachings. He performed his nightly prayers without fail, right up until his martyrdom. It is said that with his immense knowledge, he was regularly inspired to perform Dawah, the calling or inviting of others to join Islam9. 

The Rugged Terrain of the Wadi al Kuf, Jabal Al Akhdar, Cyrenaica, Alamy.

FOOTNOTES.

  1. Evans-Pritchard, E.E. The Sanusi of Cyrenaica. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1954.

  2. Ali, A.A. “Omar Al-Mukhtar: The Lion of the Desert.” Essay. International Journal of

    Humanities and Social   Science 2(20), Vol. 2(20), 2012.

  3. “Omar Al-Mukhtar.” Dictionary of African Biography. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012. pg. 360–360.

  4. Ibid.

  5. Ali, A.A. “Omar Al-Mukhtar: The Lion of the Desert.” Essay. In International Journal of Humanities and Social Science 2(20), Vol. 2(20), 2012.

  6. Evans-Pritchard, E. E. The Sanusi of Cyrenaica. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1954. Pg.168.

  7. As-Salabi, Dr Ali Muhammad. Omar Al Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert. Al Firdous Ltd. Pg 34-35.

  8. Evans-Pritchard, E. E. The Sanusi of Cyrenaica. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1954. Pg.168.

  9. As-Salabi, Dr Ali Muhammad. Omar Al Mukhtar - Lion of the Desert. Al Firdous Ltd. Pg 17, 34-35.