An Annual Sufi Festival in Transformation: The Qādiriyya Mawkib Festival in Kano, Nigeria

The Mawkib is an annual Sufi celebration in Nigeria. Its main features include street processions involving parades in colourful attire, chanting, songs, horse riding, and visiting the tombs of local Qādirī Saints. These activities are conducted primarily to commemorate the birth of ʿAbd al Qādir al-Jīlānī, founder and patron saint of the Qādiriyya Order. Initiated on a small scale by Nasiru Kabara in 1952, the present Mawkib festival has grown, attracting thousands of people from different parts of the world. During the festival, the spiritual leader of the Qādiriyya Order in Nigeria receives homage from the crowds watching the street procession. As part of their attempt to modernise the festival, the organisers now include environmental advocacy. Using qualitative research, the article examines the history of the Mawkib, the current dynamics of integrating both indigenous religious and globalised Islamic culture, and the changing politics and economics of this important pilgrimage festival.