Hadiya

What is Hadiya, and how does it work?

Hadiya is a practice that aims to serve Allah (God) and build good relations with one's co-religionist. The foundations of Hadiya include the redistribution of wealth and social solidarity, the community's self-financing of city projects, a culture of generosity and self-sacrifice, and the primacy of divine approval over love of earthly goods. It is a very special kind of donation, which cannot be simply translated as charity (Beye 2014), as it is considered a voluntary pious gift from the Talibé (the pupil) to his Cheikh (the Guide). Hadiya is a practice that every Talibé performs, regardless of his or her social status. Over the years, this practice has become a hallmark of the Mourides, and an act of devotion. The follower contributes according to his financial means and intention to serve his Tariqâ.

Generally, Hadiya donations can take two forms: direct gifts to the Cheikh for his personal use, or gifts given to the Cheik for to be used in support of a specific community project. When a Talibé makes a hadiya donation to the Cheikh, they can specify the intention behind the gift. In the first form, it is understood that the Cheikh can still decide whether to keep the gift for his personal use or to redistribute it back to the community. It should be noted that in the cultural practice of Mouridism, the Cheik – out of respect for his disciple – never requests Hadiya for his personal use; the gift is always a voluntary one. Moreover, the Talibé, having given the Hadiya, does not ask the Cheikh about its use , inherently believing that his Cheik has made the best possible use of it.

The second form of Hadiya arises from the specific ethos of Mouridisme. Tariqâs are characterised by the observance of fundamental Islamic pillars (belief in Allah and his Prophet Muhammadﷺ, prayers, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage) but also by special instructions that are specific to each Tariqâ. Within the Mouride Tariqâ, the special instruction is to develop social and communal activities within an ethos of generosity. The aim is to enable followers to develop a spirit of sharing and solidarity in a society increasingly characterised by individualism.

Hadiya is usually but not always financial. With large-scale projects, Hadiya donations may also be material or in kind, ranging from the preparation and distribution of food to the contribution in labour. This vertical relationship of giving is not reciprocal; it is a one-way process. In Hadiya, unlike most gifts, the recipient is placed in a position of symbolic dominance, whilst the donor is in a position of subjection. While there is no material reciprocity, the Talibé does seek the Cheik’s recognition, prayers, and blessings when making his donation. Indeed, the Cheik has a moral duty to contribute to the spiritual upliftment of the disciple (Beye 2014).

The methods of application of the Hadiya may vary according to whether the Hadiya was a voluntary gift or requested by the Cheik to support community projects. In this case, the donation varies according to the need. Financial donations for projects can be contributed directly into urns placed on street corners or deposited directly with the _Cheik_if the sums involved are very large.

Hadiya can be donated spontaneously, periodically, or during a specific occasion, such as the Magal of Touba, the biggest annual gathering of the Mouride Community in Touba. The Talibé give Hadiya as their contribution to the event.

Hadiya: a catalyst for social change

Hadiya holds much value and has many implications beyond the actual gift itself:

• Hadiya fosters a sense of community solidarity, encouraging individuals to contribute willingly to communal projects. Its practice underscores shared values and traditions, illustrating how indigenous forms of giving can fortify social bonds.
• Hadiya transcends religious confines, with its impact reaching beyond spiritual activities, contributing to social welfare and community development.
• Hadiya has also become a lifeline for various development projects, including educational initiatives, infrastructures, health Programmes, etc., showcasing its adaptability and diverse impact. This benefits the Mouride community but also contributes to broader community development.
• Hadiya also maximizes local assets by harnessing and unlocking local community resources. Through community-driven initiatives, individuals can leverage their skills, knowledge, and networks for self-reliance and sustainability.
• One of the distinctive features of Hadiya is its role as a robust business model. The Mouride Community has adeptly leveraged Hadiya donations to drive economic development, with tangible outcomes seen in the flourishing city of Touba.
• The Mosk Masalikul Jinane in Dakar (a Mosque built by the Mouride – understood to be the largest in Africa) is also a reflection of Hadiya’s impact; it is a grand architectural marvel built entirely from these voluntary contributions. See (Sow, forthcoming) for more details.

Contemporary adaptation

Hadiya, in its contemporary practice, also contributes to a more just society. Originally the Hadiya was only a gift to the Cheikh, who then would decide what to do with it. There has, however, been some adaptation. In 2017, the Touba ca Kanam, a community organisation founded in the City of Touba by the Mouride Community was established to address systemic inequalities and empower marginalised groups. The organisation has been given the right by the Cheik to directly ask for individual hadiya donations from the Mouride community. The organization has been reaching out to the Mouride Talibes to contribute a small monthly amount and to date has raised in excess of $USD 14 million; its interventions in the city of Touba have had much impact.

Concluding Comments

In essence, philanthropy, embodied by Hadiya, emerges not only as a cultural and religious practice but as a transformative force with the potential to reshape how we understand the concept of philanthropy globally and offering valuable insights into fostering meaningful, sustainable, and culturally grounded giving practices worldwide.

Contributor: Rouguietou Khady Sow