The streets of Dakar’s Yoff neighborhood came alive with prayers and rhythmic chants as thousands of Sufi Muslims from the Layene brotherhood gathered to commemorate a sacred anniversary. The event marked the first public appearance of their revered founder, Seydina Limamou Laye, in 1884.
Draped in immaculate white robes—symbolizing purity and spiritual equality—devotees filled the pathways leading to Yoff’s iconic beachside mosque on Friday. The annual commemoration, known as L’Appel (“The Call”), celebrated the 145th anniversary of Seydina Limamou Laye’s declaration of his divine mission, a moment that remains a cornerstone of the Layene faith.
Though smaller in size compared to Senegal’s other prominent Sufi brotherhoods, such as the Mouride and Tijani orders, the Layene community has drawn attention for its unique spiritual beliefs. Central to their doctrine is the conviction that Seydina Limamou Laye embodied the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad, a perspective that distinguishes them from other Islamic sects.
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“The Layene are exceptional in their emphasis on reincarnation within Sufi traditions,” explained Cheikh Babou, a historian at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in West African Sufism. “This belief sets them apart from other Sufi orders, both within Senegal and the broader Muslim world.”
As part of the celebrations, followers embarked on a pilgrimage to a sacred grotto, believed to be the site where Seydina Limamou Laye sought solitude for meditation and divine revelation. This location remains a spiritual landmark for the Layene community, symbolizing their founder’s profound connection with the divine.
Seydina Limamou Laye’s teachings emphasized justice, equality, and the eradication of social injustices, including those rooted in slavery. His message—that the spirit of the Prophet Muhammad had returned through him to guide humanity—continues to inspire his followers today.
His message transcends race,” said Moussa Lahi, a Layene devotee attending the event. “Seydina Limamou Laye is not just a prophet for Black people—he is a prophet for all humanity. People of all backgrounds—Black, white, and beyond—embrace his teachings of unity and equality.”
The commemoration of L’Appel stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Seydina Limamou Laye and the Layene brotherhood, reinforcing themes of spiritual devotion, racial harmony, and the quest for justice in the modern world.