The project explores the topic of Islamic mysticism as a form of resistance by
looking into the Mouride brotherhood in Senegal, with a special focus on Bayefallism,
a further ramification of this branch of Islam. This allows for a differentiated
perspective on the importance of historical background when discussing this religion
on a global scale. Through videography and photography, notions of historical
entanglements, self-representation and self-preservation can be explored.
Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba emphasized the role of work, which he saw as a channel
to become more intimate with God. “Sweet is what purifies the man from its sins,”
a concept similar to those of the Franciscan monks. The man who exists for the
community and the spiritual guide is named Bayefall, (a Wolof term that means
Baye: father and Fall from the surname of the founder Cheikh Ibrahima Fall).
The Bayefall are descendants of the founder Cheikh Ibrahima Fall, who decided
to devote his life to spreading the word of Amadou Bamba by working for his
community. Bayefall are exempt from some of the pillars of Islam, such as fasting
and praying five times a day. They spend their time working for the brotherhood
and the marabout, in the fields, during holidays and festivities and even in the
congested streets of Dakar. Their way of living the Muslim faith emphasizes hard
work, the value of sharing, food, dance, chants and the strength of the community.
Through my camera, I was able to rediscover, feel and document the Bayefall
way while also experiencing an intimate spiritual journey.