A Sense of Togetherness: Reflections on Hadratul Jumu'ah in Philadelphia

By Serigne Cheikh Oumar Sy Djamil

Monday, August 12th, 2024

There are moments when history, spirituality, and community converge so perfectly that they etch themselves into the heart forever. One of those moments occurred for me on Friday, July 5th, 2024, in the city of Philadelphia—on a day the United States commemorated its independence, and on an afternoon when Muslims gathered to celebrate something far more universal: the oneness of God and the togetherness of humanity.

Years ago, while admiring the immaculate white tents of Mina in Saudi Arabia, the former Director-General of UNESCO, Amadou Makhtar Mbow of Senegal, captured the essence of pilgrimage in four unforgettable words:

“It’s a sense of togetherness.”

This year in Philadelphia, I felt that same spirit—alive, present, and profoundly moving.

A Hadara in the Heart of Historic Philadelphia

Philadelphia, a city that feels as though it was built in a forest with its abundant greenery, welcomed us into one of its many parks—Mohammad Park, named after the Prophet of Islam ﷺ. It was here that Americans and Senegalese gathered for Hadaratul Jumah, one of the three pillars of the Tijani Sufi order.

Every Friday between Asr and Maghrib, disciples proclaim the oneness of Allah through the Haylala—repeating La ilaha illa Allah a thousand times, along with the invocation of His Name: Allah, Allah, Allah…

This year’s gathering was especially meaningful because it was initiated by Americans, particularly the dedicated team at the QUBA Institute.

The story began in Dakar, at Amadou Barry Stadium in Guédiawaye, where every year the Abnahou Hadarati Tidjaniyati under Serigne Abdou Fatah Sarr hosts a major Hadara. It was there that Imam Anwar Muhaimin—President of the QUBA Institute—expressed his heartfelt wish to bring that same spiritual vibration to his birthplace: Philadelphia, the city where Malcolm X once walked and where the Nation of Islam grew strong roots.

A Bold Decision—And a Message of Openness

The organizers made a courageous choice: to hold the event outdoors, in full public view, rather than in the confines of a mosque. Their message was clear and confident:

“We have nothing to hide.”

This was especially bold considering the park had recently witnessed a tragic shooting during an Eid al-Fitr celebration. Although the violence had no connection to the Muslim gathering, the fear and tension left lingering traces.

Yet the community pressed forward—supported by local police, who secured and patrolled the area diligently to ensure a safe and peaceful gathering.

A Day Filled With Learning, Prayer, and Unity

The program began with the Friday prayer. Imam Anwar delivered a moving sermon about Muslim identity and our duty of solidarity. His words struck deep, especially when he said:

“You must always educate yourself to know who you are.”

These words echoed those of Serigne Babacar Sy (RTA):

“Xam-xam yëpp bi gën kawe, moy bi lay wax yaa kan.”

(The highest form of knowledge is the one that teaches you who you truly are.)

Lunch followed, graced by the presence of Minister Cheikh Bamba Dieye, Director of Dakar’s AIBD Airport. It was a joyful moment of fellowship before the Hadara and Wazifa after Asr.

The Ecstasy of Divine Remembrance

When the Hadara began, the atmosphere transformed. Birds sang. Voices rose. Hearts opened. Through a vibrant sound system, the names of Allah SWT and His Prophet Muhammad ﷺ resonated through the trees of Mohammad Park.

Tears flowed. Sweat mingled with spiritual fervor. At one point, an American participant stood with hands raised to the sky, shouting the divine litany with a passion that moved everyone present. Rain clouds threatened overhead, but not a single soul seemed to care.

Happiness was everywhere.

A Beautiful Contrast: Wahabi-Educated Imams Supporting Sufi Devotion

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the presence of Imam Anwar and his brother—both trained in Medina, in the heart of Wahhabi doctrine, which traditionally distances itself from Sufi practice. Yet here they were, embracing the spiritual richness of Hadaratul Jumah.

This unexpected harmony sent a strong message:

Unity is possible. And it is beautiful.

Their father, Sheikh Nafea Muhaimin, who grounded them in classical Islamic texts before sending them to study abroad, would surely have been proud.

Voices, Gratitude, and Shared Purpose

The ceremony opened with a stunning recitation of the Qur’an by a disciple of QUBA Institute, whose mastery of Tajwīd left the audience speechless.

Imam Anwar outlined future projects planned for Senegal—bridging the academic and Qur’anic expertise accumulated over decades with communities abroad.

Serigne Moustapha Sy Al Amine, who led the Senegalese delegation, delivered a trilingual speech in Arabic, English, and Wolof, expressing gratitude to all organizers and participants.

The warmth of Philadelphia’s Tijani community under Elhadji Ndiaye was unmatched, and we owe them deep thanks.

A City That Embraces All

Special honor must be given to Philadelphia City Hall and Mayor Cherelle Parker. Since becoming the city’s first female mayor in 2023, she has shown remarkable inclusiveness—creating a special commission within City Hall dedicated to Islamic affairs. El Hadji Ndiaye, a Dakar native, proudly serves on that commission.

Their unwavering support allowed the name of Allah SWT to echo publicly in Philadelphia—an achievement that drew heartfelt prayers and appreciation from all who attended.

Walking Through American History

Philadelphia is a city where every street tells a chapter of America’s story. During our visit, we explored its historical treasures:

• The Liberty Bell

• Independence Hall, where the 1776 Declaration of Independence was signed

• Jefferson House, where the declaration was drafted

• Betsy Ross House, where the first flag was sewn

• And the American Revolution Museum, where George Washington’s original battlefield tent is preserved

One immersive reenactment left us particularly amazed—Dolby sound, light effects, life-sized soldiers. It was as if we were standing on the battlefield itself.

I imagined similar reenactments in Senegal—depicting the battles of Dekheulé, Paoskoto, and others—to help children connect with their own national history.

Togetherness Across Continents

Philadelphia became a symbol—not only of the American quest for freedom, but of the spiritual freedom and unity we experienced during Hadaratul Jumah.

With Serigne Moustapha Al Amine, Serigne Fatah Sarr, and many dear friends, we lived a weekend woven with threads of Sufi devotion, knowledge, fraternity, and cultural exchange.

A Whisper in Fez

On our journey home, we passed through Morocco. As our train approached the Zawiya of Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane Cherif, our hearts were full. At his mausoleum, we whispered our gratitude—for the people we met, for the work being done across the Atlantic, and for the spiritual legacy he entrusted to our forebears.

Sagal sa mame, lolou ayul; kuy doom diou baax, xam nga lolou.

(Honor your ancestor—it is not a small matter; a worthy child understands this deeply.)

Yalla na Yalla nangou niane yépp thi barké Yoonente bi ﷺ.

(May Allah accept all our prayers by the blessing of His Messenger ﷺ.)