Sidi Abu Abdallah Muhammad Belqacem Basri al-Meknessi was one from amongst the blessed companions of our Shaykh, The Concealed Pole, Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani. Not only were they a companion of Sidi Ahmad Tijani, but they were also a distinguished Muqaddam (representative), an esteemed Imam, and a pillar of the Tariqa Tijaniyya.

 

Renowned for their immense piety, knowledge, and noble character, they were both a scholar of Shari‘a (Islamic Law) and a man of Haqiqa (spiritual realisation), seamlessly embodying both the outward and inward dimensions of the faith. As the khatib (preacher) of the Grand Mosque of Meknes, they were widely respected for their adherence to the Prophetic Sunnah and their unwavering commitment to the Tijani Path.

 

Their spiritual excellence was evident through the unique recognition they received from Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani. While many were granted the idhn (authorisation) in the Tariqa, it is reported that Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani never addressed anyone with the title of "Muqaddam" except for them, despite the fact that they had not yet officially been granted the rank of Taqdim. This title, which they initially carried from a previous Tariqa, was later officially conferred upon them after the passing of Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani. In 1244 AH, they formally received Taqdim from eminent figures such as Sidi Hajj Ghazi al-Matyari, Sidi Abdelwahhab ibn al-Ahmar, Sidi Hajj ‘Ali Tamasini, and others (may Allah be pleased with them).

 

Among the many testaments to their high spiritual standing, it is narrated that Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani once draped their reeda (a piece of cloth used to cover the upper part of the body) over them, saying:

"You have our approval in all situations."

Even after their passing, miraculous signs of their sanctity continued to manifest. It is said that when their body was being prepared for the burial, they momentarily opened their eyes and gazed upon every one of those present, prompting one from amongst them to remark:

"We know, O Master, that you are living."

 

Their Journey to the Tijani Path

 

Before their initiation into the Tijani Order, much like many of the companions of Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani, Sidi Muhammad Belqacem Basri was a devoted follower of the Tariqa Wazzaniyya, founded by the pole Sidi Mulay Tayeb al-Wazzani. However, fate had something else planned for the noble Shaykh - their journey toward the Tijani path was marked by extraordinary events that revealed their destined connection to Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani.

 

During their pilgrimage to Makkah, a remarkable incident occurred. One night, while performing ablution on the deck of a ship, they lost their footing and fell into the sea completely unnoticed by the crew. In that desperate moment, they invoked Allah and sought the help of the Saints. Suddenly, a mysterious figure appeared, extending a hand and pulling them back onto the ship, only to disappear without leaving a trace.

 

Believing their rescue to be the intervention of their Shaykh, Sidi Ali ibn Muhammad ibn Tayeb al-Wazzani, they recorded the event and attributed the miracle to them. Upon their return from Hajj, another miraculous event occurred. While visiting a Zawiya of the Wazzani Order in Fez, they found the main entrance completely blocked by a collapsed structure, preventing access and also blocking some disciples inside the Zawiya. Sidi Belqacem simply wished to enter into the Zawiya, and to their astonishment, they suddenly found themselves inside the Zawiya without knowing how they had entered. The disciples within were equally perplexed, wondering how Sidi Belqacem had crossed the obstructed path. Once again, they attributed the experience to Moulay Tayeb al-Wazzani.

 

However, their journey was destined to take a new direction.

 

Meeting Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani

One day, Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani personally visited Sidi Muhammad Belqacem al-Basri in Meknes and said to them:

"I have come to give you the litanies."

 

Out of loyalty to their previous path, they replied:

"I cannot accept this from you, for I am already in the Tariqa of Mulay Tayeb."

 

Without pressing the matter, Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani returned to Fez. However, after further contemplation, Sidi Muhammad Belqacem Basri felt a deep yearning to join them, and despite all their efforts, they were unable to reach them. 

 

When they finally arrived in Fez and entered the home of Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani, they were received with warmth and kindness. It was then that Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani unveiled to them the truth of their experiences, saying:

"Know that we love you, and it was I who caught you when you fell into the sea, and I who carried you across the blocked street—though you attributed this to someone else."

 

At that moment, Sidi Muhammad Belqacem Basri recognised their true spiritual master and formally took initiation into the Tariqa Tijaniyya.

 

Fatiha