Sidi Abu Muhammad Mukhtar Dabbagh ibn ‘Abdallah Tilimsani was one from amongst the blessed companions of our Shaykh, The Concealed Pole, Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani. From their name, we come to understand that their family originally came from the city of Tlemecen, which is home to many from amongst the Friends of God as well as being the second largest city in northwestern Algeria. It is no coincidence that they, like a shadow, followed in the footsteps of Sidi Shaykh Ahmad Tijani, migrating from the land of Algeria, to Fez Morocco.

The city of Tlemecen is widely known for its influence in the development the textile industry, mainly pertaining to that of carpet and leather. This is perhaps where the name ‘Dabbagh’ originates from as the name Dabbagh comes from the Arabic word Dabaga, which means ‘to tan’, as in tanning leather. Thus, from this we can conclude that the name given to them was most likely from the trade, rather than in affiliation with the great Saint, author of Al-Ibriz, Sidi Abdul Aziz Ad-Dabbagh, as there is no record detailing their connection or genealogy with them.

Sidi Abu Muhammad Mukhtar Dabbagh, was a man of profound spiritual realisation, an enlightened Gnostic, and a Majdhub (one enraptured by the Divine). A devout adherent of the Tariqa Tijaniyya, they walked the spiritual path with sincerity and devotion, becoming known for their remarkable states (haal), spiritual unveiling (kashf) and unwavering asceticism.

They were often overtaken by sudden and intense spiritual states, akin to those experienced by the Malamatiyya (those who conceal their sanctity behind unconventional behavior, attracting criticism to veil their nearness to Allah). These states sometimes manifested during the recitation of the litanies (Wazifa), particularly at the seventh bead of Djawharatul Kamal, they would be overwhelmed by the Divine theophanies.

On one such occasion, they found themselves absorbed in a spiritual state, reciting the litany with unusual speed. Their actions were misunderstood by some, and they were thus reprimanded by the esteemed Muqaddam, Sidi Muhammad Belgacem Basari. Yet, in their humility, Sidi Mukhtar remained silent and did not reply.

On another occasion, when they reached the seventh bead of Djawharatul Kamal, they abruptly stood up and ran out, completely overtaken by Divine ecstasy. The brothers, unaware of the depths of his spiritual state, jested about his actions. The Muqaddam, Sidi Muhammad Belgacem Basari, in a lighthearted manner, remarked, "This time he could not wait—he got up and left!" However, that night, Sidi Muhammad Belgacem Basari had a dream in which Sidi Shaykh Ahmad al-Tijani appeared to them and sternly warned, "What is this behaviour towards Sidi Mukhtar? Concern yourself with your own soul and refrain from troubling him." The Muqaddam awoke with a sudden startle realising his mistake, and from that moment, he ceased all mockery of Sidi Mukhtar.

The depth of Sidi Mukhtar Tilimsani’s spiritual unveiling (kashf) became undeniable when, after enduring repeated taunts from a group of brothers, one of them mockingly asked, "Have you seen anything for me this time?" With solemnity, Sidi Mukhtar replied, "Yes, I have seen that you will pass away in four months, on such and such a day." True to his words, the individual met his fate exactly as foretold, affirming the sincerity of the kashf of Sidi Mukhtar.

Following these events, Sidi Mukhtar withdrew from social gatherings, distancing himself from idle jest and worldly distractions. Their focus remained solely on Allah, and they spent their final days in seclusion. They ultimately passed away in the blessed city of Meknes, may God sanctify their secret.

Fatiha